U.S. patent application number 16/574219 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-19 for liquid dispenser for animals.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Jaehung Chun, Yousook Eun, Joogyeom Kim, Myongsun Kim, Sungkyung Kim, Youngdon Kim, Hyunsun Yoo, Jekwang Youn.
Application Number | 20200085007 16/574219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67998006 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-19 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200085007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Youn; Jekwang ; et
al. |
March 19, 2020 |
LIQUID DISPENSER FOR ANIMALS
Abstract
A liquid dispenser may include a container having an upper
opening, a pump provided in the container, a pipe through which
liquid discharged from the pump is transferred, a top plate having
an upper surface over which liquid flows, a filter assembly
provided below the top plate, a base provided below the container,
and a thermoelectric element provided in the base to cool the
liquid in the container.
Inventors: |
Youn; Jekwang; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Youngdon; (Seoul, KR) ; Yoo;
Hyunsun; (Seoul, KR) ; Chun; Jaehung; (Seoul,
KR) ; Eun; Yousook; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim;
Joogyeom; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim; Sungkyung;
(Seoul, KR) ; Kim; Myongsun; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
67998006 |
Appl. No.: |
16/574219 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62733393 |
Sep 19, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 7/005 20130101;
B67D 2210/00015 20130101; C02F 1/325 20130101; B01D 29/15 20130101;
C02F 2303/04 20130101; B67D 1/0801 20130101; C02F 2103/20 20130101;
B01D 35/02 20130101; F25B 21/02 20130101; G01S 13/08 20130101; A01K
7/027 20130101; B67D 1/0871 20130101; B01D 29/50 20130101; B67D
1/0869 20130101; B67D 1/0004 20130101; B01D 35/26 20130101; B67D
1/1202 20130101; B01D 29/036 20130101; B01D 29/01 20130101; B67D
1/0888 20130101; B67D 2210/0001 20130101; B67D 1/0878 20130101;
C02F 1/001 20130101; B01D 35/30 20130101; A01K 7/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 7/02 20060101
A01K007/02; B01D 29/15 20060101 B01D029/15; B01D 29/01 20060101
B01D029/01; B01D 35/26 20060101 B01D035/26; B01D 29/50 20060101
B01D029/50; B67D 1/08 20060101 B67D001/08; B67D 1/00 20060101
B67D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 13, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0070278 |
Jun 13, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0070281 |
Jun 13, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0070282 |
Jun 13, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0070284 |
Jun 25, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0075692 |
Jul 22, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0088430 |
Jul 22, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0088431 |
Claims
1. A liquid dispenser, comprising: a container configured to store
liquid and having an upper rim defining an upper opening; a base to
support the container and having a thermoelectric device to change
a temperature of the liquid in the container; a pump having an
inlet to suction liquid stored in the container and an outlet to
discharge the liquid; a filter assembly having at least one first
filter and supported on the upper rim of the container, the filter
assembly having an inner opening, a bottom surface surrounding the
inner opening, and an inclined wall extending from the bottom
surface and supported by the upper rim of the container; and a
dispensing assembly to cover the inner opening of the filter
assembly such that the dispensing assembly and the filter assembly
close the upper opening of the container, the dispensing assembly
having a top plate, the top plate having a hole communicating with
the outlet of the pump such that the liquid pumped by the pump
spreads over the top plate, cascades to the filter assembly to be
filtered by the first filter, and returns to the container.
2. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispensing assembly
further includes a pipe support and a plate support provided under
the top plate and having a bottom side configured to fit into the
inner opening of the filter assembly, the pipe support being a
hollow cylindrical shell extending downward from the bottom side of
the plate support, wherein a pipe is inserted into the pipe
support, and wherein the plate support includes spokes to add
structural rigidity to the plate support, and the spokes have an
angle of inclination corresponding an angle of inclination of the
top plate.
3. The liquid dispenser of claim 2, further including a float
configured to fit inside of the hole of the top plate, wherein the
pipe support includes grooves, and a stem of the float is
configured to move up and down in the grooves of the pipe support
such that, when the pump pumps liquid at a predetermined pumping
capacity or higher, the float moves up to create a ring-shaped
opening between an outer side of the float and an inner surface of
the top plate defining the hole, and when the pump pumps liquid at
a predetermined pumping capacity or less, the float moves down to
reduce a size of the ring-shaped opening or to completely close the
hole.
4. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the filter assembly
includes a filter top having the bottom surface, wherein the bottom
surface includes a plurality of through holes through which liquid
drops to return to the container.
5. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the filter assembly
includes a filter guide having the bottom surface, the bottom
surface is a ramp surface inclined toward a bottom opening through
which liquid drops before entering the container.
6. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the filter assembly
includes a filter slot having a bottom wall, side walls, a rear
wall, and a front opening, the bottom wall having at least one
opening through which liquid is dropped, and a filter tray
configured to be inserted into the front opening of the filter
slot, the filter tray including a filter material such that liquid
drops through the filter material and the at least one opening of
the bottom wall before entering the container.
7. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further including a second
filter provided over the bottom surface of the container to
surround the pump.
8. The liquid dispenser of claim 7, wherein the second filter is a
cylindrical strainer, and a top end of the second filter is at
least partially inserted into the inner opening of the filter
assembly.
9. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further including a bottom
cover to cover a bottom of the container.
10. The liquid dispenser of claim 9, wherein the bottom cover
includes a pump cover surrounding the pump, a plurality of openings
through which liquid flows to enter the pump inlet, and an upper
surface having a hole aligned with the outlet of the pump.
11. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further including a bottom
cover to cover a bottom of the container and the pump, and a second
filter provided over the bottom cover and below the filter
assembly.
12. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further including a
sterilizing light to emit ultraviolet radiation into the liquid of
the container before the liquid enters the pump inlet, and a
temperature sensor protruding into a bottom of the container to
measure a temperature of the liquid in the container.
13. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric
device includes a Peltier device provided in the base and a metal
provided on top of the Peltier device, the metal exposed through a
bottom opening of the container.
14. The liquid dispenser of claim 13, further including a heat sink
provided in the base on which the Peltier device is provided and a
fan provided below the heat sink.
15. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the base includes a
suction grill through which air is suctioned by the fan, exhaust
vents through which air is exhausted by the fan, discharge slots
through which liquid drops through, and a fan housing surrounding
the fan and having inclined surfaces leading to the exhaust vents
and the discharge slots.
16. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further including a proximity
sensor provided in the base to sense a position of a moving object
within a predetermined distance range of the base, and a water
level sensor provided on a bottom of the base to sense an amount of
liquid in the container.
17. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further including a user
interface provided on the base through which a user may select a
temperature of the liquid in the container.
18. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein a battery and a
controller is further provided in the base.
19. A liquid dispenser, comprising: a container configured to store
liquid and having an upper rim defining an upper opening; a base to
support the container and having a thermoelectric device to change
a temperature of the liquid in the container; a pump having an
inlet to suction liquid stored in the container and an outlet to
discharge the liquid; and a lid covering the upper opening of the
container and having a hole through which liquid discharged from
the pump flows.
20. The liquid dispenser of claim 19, wherein the hole is provided
in an upper surface of the lid, and the lid includes a liquid guide
provided below the upper surface, the liquid guide including an
inclined wall having a maximum width larger than a width of the
upper surface and a filter surface that filters foreign matter from
liquid falling from the upper surface of the lid to the
container.
21. A liquid dispenser, comprising: a container; a pump configured
to pump liquid stored in the container; a base provided below the
container and having a thermoelectric device to change a
temperature of the liquid in the container; a filter assembly
provided above the container and including at least one filter; and
a dispensing assembly provided above the filter assembly, wherein
the dispensing assembly includes a top plate defining an uppermost
surface of the container and a dispensing opening through which
liquid discharged from the pump flows, wherein the dispensing
opening is configured to change a direction of the liquid
discharged from the pump such that the liquid dispensed from the
dispensing opening is sprayed across an upper surface of the top
plate.
22. The liquid dispenser of claim 21, wherein the pump is
configured to pump liquid at a predetermined velocity such that,
when the liquid is dispensed from the dispensing opening, the
liquid has a horizontal velocity component sufficient to flow over
an edge of the top plate and through the filter of the filter
assembly before flowing back into the container.
23. The liquid dispenser of claim 22, wherein the top plate has a
predetermined angle of inclination, and the predetermined velocity
is large enough such that the horizontal velocity component of the
dispensed liquid is sufficient to overcome the predetermined angle
of inclination of the top plate.
24. The liquid dispenser of claim 21, wherein the dispensing
opening is formed by a hole in the top plate and a float at least
partially inserted into the hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/733,393 filed on Sep. 19,
2018, Korean Application Nos. 10-2019-0070278, 10-2019-0070284,
10-2019-0070282, and 10-2019-0070281 filed on Jun. 13, 2019,
10-2019-0075692 filed on Jun. 25, 2019, and 10-2019-0088430 and
10-2019-0088431 filed on Jul. 22, 2019, whose entire disclosure(s)
is/are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] A liquid dispenser to supply liquid to an animal, e.g., a
pet, is disclosed herein.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] In recent years, the population of people raising a pet has
increased, in addition attachment and interest in pets. Like most
mammals, pets must drink water to survive and maintain a biorhythm.
Since pets are often left alone and communication with their owners
is difficult, the demand for pet water dispensers or water supply
devices has increased.
[0005] European Patent No. 3315022 A1, Korean Patent No. 10-1825334
B1, and U.S. Publication Nos. 2014/0053781, 2015/0313180,
2010/0095897, and 2012/0216751 (hereinafter "related art") disclose
drinking bowls for pets. However, such drinking bowls have various
disadvantages, which the present disclosure solves.
[0006] The above references are incorporated by reference herein
where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or
alternative details, features and/or technical background.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a pet water dispenser
according to an embodiment with a float in an open state;
[0008] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pet water dispenser of
FIG. 1 showing a float in a closed state;
[0009] FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing a bottom of the pet
water dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 1D is a top view of a pet water dispenser showing a
secondary filter provided over a bottom cover;
[0011] FIG. 1E is a top view of the pet water dispenser of FIG. 1D
with the secondary filter removed;
[0012] FIG. 1F is a top view of the pet water dispenser of FIG. 1E
with the bottom cover removed;
[0013] FIG. 1G is a bottom view of a pet water dispenser according
to an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a lid of the pet
water dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of a base of the pet
water dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of a dispensing assembly
according to an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternative float;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a filter top;
[0019] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing
assembly removed from the filter assembly;
[0020] FIG. 4C shows a filter top removed from a filter guide;
[0021] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a filter guide;
[0022] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of a filter slot and filter
tray;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a side sectional view of a pet water dispenser
according to an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 5B is a side sectional view from below showing the pet
water dispenser of FIG. 5A;
[0025] FIG. 5C is a side sectional view showing a container of the
pet water dispenser where liquid is stored;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a view of a secondary filter;
[0027] FIG. 7A is a view of a top of a bottom cover;
[0028] FIG. 7B is a view of a bottom of the bottom cover of FIG.
7A;
[0029] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a base for a pet water
dispenser;
[0030] FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing an upper frame of the
base of FIG. 8A separated from a lower frame of the base;
[0031] FIG. 8C is an exploded perspective view looking up at the
base of FIG. 8A;
[0032] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a lower frame of the base
and a center plate removed from a heat sink;
[0033] FIG. 9B is a perspective top view of the base of FIG. 9A
with the center plate provided on the heat sink;
[0034] FIG. 9C is an exploded perspective view of the base of FIG.
9A under a filter assembly and top plate;
[0035] FIGS. 10A-10C show exploded perspective views of a fan, fan
housing, heat sink, Peltier device, and Peltier metal, where FIGS.
10A and 10B illustrate two side views and FIG. 10C illustrates a
bottom view;
[0036] FIG. 10D is an exploded perspective view of the filter
assembly, and the top plate, and an assembled view of the base
without the upper and lower frames, showing a battery;
[0037] FIG. 10E is a side view of a pet water dispenser with the
upper frame included;
[0038] FIG. 10F is a side view of the pet water dispenser of FIG.
10E without an upper frame of the base showing a heat sink;
[0039] FIG. 11A is a view showing a bottom of the base without the
upper and lower frames of the base and showing an enlarged view of
a weight sensor;
[0040] FIG. 11B is a side sectional view of the base and showing an
enlarged view of a heat sink;
[0041] FIG. 11C shows a lower surface of an upper frame of a
base;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematic illustrating the
controller of a printed circuit board provided in the base and
various elements coupled to the controller for operation of the
water dispenser;
[0043] FIG. 13A shows an alternative arrangement of a fan, heat
sink, and Peltier device according to a second embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 13B shows a bottom of a base according to the second
embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 14A shows an alternative arrangement of a fan, heat
sink, and Peltier device according to a third embodiment; and
[0046] FIG. 14B shows a bottom of a base according to the third
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] Animals generally find running or moving water to be more
desirable for consumption, and there is also a need to provide
fresh or clear water, rather than stagnated water, in a pet bowl.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-1G, a pet water dispenser 1 according to an
embodiment may include a base 100 on which a container or storage
chamber 200 configured to store liquid (e.g., drinking water) is
placed. A lid or lid assembly, which may include a filter assembly
300 and a dispensing assembly 400, may close an upper opening of
the container 200. Liquid may be dispensed from the container 200
to the dispensing assembly 400, and may reenter the container 200
after passing through the filter assembly 300.
[0048] The base 100 may be formed of an upper frame or shell 110
coupled to a lower frame or shell 120, and electronic devices may
be stored inside of the base 100 to power an operation of the pet
water dispenser and cool the liquid in the container 200. The upper
and lower frames 110 and 120 may also be referred to as upper and
lower covers, respectively. A side of the base 100 may include
exhaust vents 115 to exhaust air, and a bottom of the base 100 may
include a suction grill 121 through which air enters the base 100
and discharge slots 122 through which air or liquid may exit the
base 100.
[0049] The base 100 may also include a user interface 114 through
which a user may input commands to select modes, temperature, etc.
and which may output information on status, temperature, etc. to
the user. The base 100 may also include a socket or terminal 118
through which electric power from an external power source may be
applied. The base 100 may rest on weight sensors 124, which may
detect a weight of liquid in the container 200 and/or an amount of
liquid in the container 200. Details of the weight sensor 124 will
be described with reference to FIG. 11A.
[0050] The container 200 may also be referred to as a tank, and may
be placed on top of the base 100. The container 200 may include
outer and inner walls 210 and 220. The inner wall 220 may define a
space in which liquid is substantially stored, while the outer wall
210 may be spaced apart from the inner wall 220 to insulate the
liquid within the inner wall 220. A pump 192 may be provided in the
container 200 to pump liquid to the dispensing assembly 300, and a
secondary filter 240 may surround the pump 192 to filter foreign
matter from liquid entering the pump 192. An upper rim 230 of the
container 200 may define the upper opening.
[0051] A filter assembly 300 and a dispensing assembly 400 together
may cover or close the upper opening of the container 200. The
filter assembly 300 may be provided on the upper rim 230 of the
container 200. The filter assembly 300 may include first and second
filter surfaces 312 and 325a to filter foreign matter from liquid
dropped from the dispensing assembly 400, and may further include a
filter slot 325 in which a filter tray 326 (FIG. 2A) may be
inserted to serve as an additional filter.
[0052] The dispensing assembly 400 may be provided above the filter
assembly 300 to be projected above a top of the container 200.
Generally, liquid is circulated from the container 200 to a hole
421 of the dispensing assembly 400 via the pump 192, and liquid
flows across a top plate 420, falls off an edge 420a of the
dispensing assembly 400 onto the filter assembly 300, and is
filtered back into the container 200. As shown by the arrows in
FIG. 1A, liquid may be sprayed outward across an upper surface of
the top plate 420, and may cascade down from the edge 420a to the
filter assembly 300. A pet may drink liquid falling off the edge
420a of the dispensing assembly 400, or alternatively, may drink
shallower liquid flowing across the top plate 420.
[0053] A float 410 may be inserted in the hole 421. Liquid may be
pumped by the pump 192 and flow through a pipe 192b (FIG. 3A)
communicating with the hole 421. Depending on a pumping capacity or
rate of the pump 192, the liquid may push the float 410 upward so
that the float 410 opens the hole 421 for dispensing, as
exemplified in FIG. 1A. When the pump 192 is turned off, the float
410 may completely close the hole 421, as exemplified in FIG.
1B.
[0054] The lid, which includes the filter assembly 300 and the
dispensing assembly 400, may be easily lifted from the container
200. FIG. 1D shows an inside of the container 200 when the lid is
lifted off the container 200, and a bottom cover 250 may be seated
on a bottom of the container 200. The bottom cover 250 may include
a pump cover 251 to cover the pump 192, and an outer ring 256
covering an outer portion of the bottom of the container 200. The
secondary filter 240 may be seated on the outer ring 256 of the
bottom cover 250 to surround the pump cover 251.
[0055] The secondary filter 240 may be easily lifted out of the
container. FIG. 1E shows an inside of the container 200 when the
secondary filter 240 is lifted out and removed from the container
200. A pump outlet 192a may protrude from an upper surface of the
pump cover 251. A sterilizing light or UV module 194 may emit
ultraviolet (UV) light through a corresponding opening of the pump
cover 251 to sterilize liquid in the container 200. A side of the
pump cover 251 may include ribs or extensions 254 defining openings
through which liquid may flow to enter the pump 192.
[0056] The bottom cover 250 may be removed from the container 200
by lifting the pump cover 251. FIG. 1F shows an inside of the
container 200 when the pump cover 250 is removed. The pump 192 may
be provided in a pump housing 292 formed on a bottom surface of the
container 200. A wiring hole 226 may be provided to accommodate
wires that electrically connect the pump 192 to the base 100.
[0057] A metal 191a may further be provided on a bottom surface of
the container 200. The metal 191a may be in contact with a Peltier
device or thermoelectric cooler (TEC) 191b (FIG. 2B) mounted in the
base 100, and the Peltier device 191b and the metal 191a may heat
or cool liquid in the container 200. A liquid temperature sensor
193 may protrude through a bottom of the container 200 to measure a
temperature of liquid in the container 200.
[0058] The container 200 may be transparent. An upper surface of
the upper frame 110 of the base 100 may include a guide rib 113 to
support the inner wall 210 of the container 200 and a guide groove
119 in which the outer wall 220 may be inserted. The upper frame
110 may also include screw holes or bosses 117a corresponding to
recesses or holes in a fan housing 170 described later so that
bolts or screws inserted into the bosses 117a maintain a position
of devices (e.g., fan housing 170, heat sink 160) in the base 100.
A leg 127 protruding from the bottom surface of the base 100 may
space the base 100 apart from a ground or floor so that air may be
suctioned into the suction grill 121 and so that air or liquid may
be discharged from the discharge slots 122.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 2A, the dispensing assembly 400 may
include the top plate 420 and a plate support 430. The top plate
420 may be provided on top of a plate support 430. The plate
support 430 may have a pipe support 433 through which the pipe 192b
(FIG. 3A) of the pump 192 is inserted. Details of the dispensing
assembly 400 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2A and
3A.
[0060] The filter assembly 300 may include a filter top 310
provided on a filter guide 320. The filter top 310 may include the
first filter surface 312, while the filter guide 320 may include
the filter slot 325 and the second filter surface 325a. The filter
tray 326 may include a filter material (e.g., carbon filter). The
filter tray 326 may be inserted into and out of the filter slot
325. The filter guide 320 may further include a guide surface 322
provided below the first filter surface 312. The guide surface 322
may guide liquid dropped through the first filter surface 312 to
the filter slot 325. The filter top 310 and filter guide 320 may
have inclined walls 313 and 323 that are placed on and protrude
outward beyond the upper rim 230 of the container 200 to catch
liquid falling from the dispensing assembly 400.
[0061] The filter top 310 and filter guide 320 may have inner holes
or openings 311 and 321. The top plate 420 and plate support 430
may cover the openings 311 and 321 of the filter top 310 and filter
guide 320. Details of the filter assembly 300 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an exterior of the base 100
may be formed by the upper and lower frames 110 and 120, and an
inner space of the base 100 may include a Peltier device 191b, a
heat sink 160, and a fan 180 used to heat or cool liquid in the
container 200. The fan 180 may be provided on the lower frame 120
above the suction grill 121. A fan housing 170 may be provided to
surround the fan 180. The heat sink 160 may include heat
dissipation fins provided on the fan housing 170 and a heat
dissipation plate 161. The Peltier device 191b, sterilizing light
194, and liquid temperature sensor 193 (FIG. 1F) may be mounted on
the heat dissipation plate 161.
[0063] The metal 191a may be provided on the Peltier device 191b,
and may serve as a heat transferring plate or heat sink. The
Peltier device 191b may be powered to heat up or cool down the
liquid, and the fan 180 may exhaust cool or hot air accordingly out
of the vents 115. In addition, the fan 180 may suction ambient air
into the base 100 through the suction grill 121 to cool down the
heat sink 160 and/or a bottom side of the Peltier device 191b
during a liquid cooling process.
[0064] A plurality of plates 130, 140, and/or 150 may be provided
between the heat sink 160 and upper frame 110. The plates 130, 140,
and 150 may be referred to as heat sink isolation plates or
insulating plates, and will be described in more detail with
reference to FIGS. 9A-9C. The plates 130, 140, and 150, the upper
frame 110, and the bottom of the container 200 may all include
openings through which the sterilizing light 194, liquid
temperature sensor 193, and metal 191a mounted on the heat sink 160
may be exposed to the liquid in the container 200. The outer wall
210 of the container 200 may be inserted into the guide groove 119,
the inner wall 220 may be provided within the guide rib 113, and
the bottom of the container 200 may be configured to fit within an
opening 112a of the upper frame 110. Details of a bottom of the
container 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 5C.
[0065] The pet water dispenser 1 may have a sleek and efficient
design to cool and dispense flowing water to a pet. The top plate
420, plate support 430, filter guide 320, container 200, secondary
filter 240, bottom cover 250, and upper and lower frames 110 and
120 of the base 100 may be made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(ABS) plastic, thermoplastic, or polycarbonate (PC). The filter top
320 and the secondary filter 240 may be made of metal (e.g.,
stainless steel) or alternatively thermoplastic. The top plate 420
may have a metal or ceramic coating, or alternatively may be made
completely out of metal (e.g., stainless steel).
[0066] The outer and inner walls 210 and 220 of the container 200
may be transparent, while the upper rim 230 of the container, the
top plate 420, plate support 430, filter top 310, filter guide 320,
secondary filter 240, bottom cover 250, and upper and lower frames
110 and 120 of the base 100 may be opaque. In an alternatively
embodiment, the outer and inner walls 210 and 220 of the container
200 may be made of glass, and the upper rim 230, the top plate 420,
plate support 430, filter top 310, filter guide 320, secondary
filter 240, bottom cover 250, and upper and lower frames 110 and
120 may be made of stainless steel or may be coated with ceramic to
give a sleek appearance.
[0067] In more detail, referring to FIGS. 1F, 2A, and 3A, the
dispensing assembly 400 may include an uppermost surface of a lid.
The top plate 420 may be provided above a central portion of the
container 200, and the plate support 430 may be partially inserted
into the container 200. The plate support 430 may be bonded or
welded to the top plate 420, or the top plate 420 may be
pressed-fitted onto the plate support 430. The plate support 430
may have a hole 431 provided below the hole 421 of the top plate
420.
[0068] An upper surface of the top plate 420 may be inclined or
sloped upward toward the hole 421, and may also be inclined or
sloped upward toward the edge 420a of the top plate 420. There may
be a predetermined angle or inclination of the upper surface toward
the edge 420a with respect to a horizontal axis parallel to the
floor. The predetermined angle of the upper surface may be between
0.degree. and 45.degree. (e.g., 2.degree.). The inclination of the
upper surface of the top plate 420 may be constant. Alternatively,
the upper surface of the top plate 420 may have a concave curvature
to facilitate a collection of liquid. As another alternative, the
upper surface of the top plate 420 may be inclined downward toward
the outer edge 420a to facilitate a falling of liquid off the outer
edge 420a of the top plate 420. The dispensing assembly 400
exemplified in the figures may be easily swapped with an
alternative dispensing assembly to suit different species of
pets.
[0069] The outer edge 420a of the top plate 420 may be curved to
allow liquid to easily roll off the outer edge of the top plate
420. The upper surface of the top plate 420 may be a smooth
surface. The upper surface of the top plate 420 may be manufactured
to be a hydrophobic surface to facilitate movement of liquid
flowing over the upper surface, but is not limited thereto. The top
plate 420 may be made of metal or plastic. Although the top plate
420 is illustrated as a disc, it may be formed in a different
shape. For example, the top plate 420 may be formed in a
rectangular plate shape, a hexagonal shape, or a triangular plate
shape. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the top plate 420 may
include optional ribs or guide grooves to guide a flow of liquid
across the upper surface of the top plate 420.
[0070] When the pump 192 is turned off, liquid may pool near a rim
of the hole 421 and may not be recovered back through the hole 421
due to an inclined surface around the rim of the hole 421. The
inclined surface around the rim of the hole 421 may prevent a
backflow of liquid back into the pipe 192b. Alternatively, the top
plate 420 may be configured such that a surface or rim near the
hole 421 is inclined downward, and the hole 421 may have a larger
width or diameter than width of the pipe 192b. In such a
configuration, liquid remaining on the top plate 420 after the pump
192 is turned off may be recovered back through the hole 421 into
the container 200. As another alternative, the top plate 420 may be
curved or inclined downward from the hole 421 to the outer edge
420a, and when the pump 192 is turned off, liquid remaining on the
top plate 420 may continue to fall off the outer edge of the top
plate 420.
[0071] Although the hole 421 is shown to be at a center of the top
plate 420, a position of the hole 421 is not limited thereto and
may be provided at other locations. A position of the hole 431 of
the support plate 430 may correspond to a position of the hole 421
of the top plate 420. A position of the pump outlet 192a may
correspond to a position of a lower end of the pipe support 433.
The holes 421 and 431 may have widths or diameters equal to an
inner width or diameter of the pipe support 433. Alternatively,
upper portions or heads of the holes 421 and 431 may have diameters
that increase from lower portions of the holes 421 to the upper
surface of the top plate 420.
[0072] An upper surface of the support plate 430 may include spokes
or ribs 432 to support the top plate 420 and/or add rigidity to the
dispensing assembly 400. Alternatively, spokes or ribs may be
provided on a lower surface of the top plate 420. The spokes may be
supporting ribs that have an angle of inclination equal to the
predetermined angle of inclination of the top plate 420. The
support plate 430 may be easily detached or removed from a filter
top 310 of the filter assembly, and the dispensing assembly 400 may
be easily swapped with another dispensing assembly 400 having a
differently shaped top plate 420.
[0073] A lower surface of the support plate 430 may include a
protruding portion 434 configured to fit into a rim or flange 324
of the filter assembly 300 and to lower a center of gravity of the
support plate 430. A circumference of the protruding portion 434
may be substantially the same or slightly smaller than a
circumference of the opening 311 of the filter top 310 such that
the dispensing assembly 400 sits on the filter assembly 300 and an
inside of the container 200 is substantively sealed from ambient
temperature. The protruding portion 434 may couple to or to seal
openings 311 and 321 of the filter top 310 and filter guide 320
described later.
[0074] The pipe support 433 may extend from a bottom surface of the
protruding portion 434 below the hole 431 into the container 200.
The pipe support 433 may be a hollow cylinder or cylindrical shell.
The pipe 192b may have an inlet connected to the pump outlet 192a,
extend through a passage of the pipe support 433, and have an
outlet connected to or in communication with the holes 421 and 431
of the top plate 420 and the plate support 430.
[0075] The pipe 192b may be flexible, and the pipe support 433 may
support the pipe 192b to extend in a vertical direction.
Alternatively or in addition thereto, the flexible pipe 192b may be
curved to have a plurality of U-shaped bends over the metal 191b of
the Peltier device 191a before extending through the pipe support
433 so that liquid flowing through the pipe 192b may be
additionally heated or cooled by the metal 191b.
[0076] Alternatively, the pipe 192b may be formed of a rigid
material, in which case, the pipe support 433 may primarily serve
to protect the pipe 192b instead of supporting the pipe 192b. In
such an alternative embodiment, the pipe support 433 may be
optional. In another embodiment, the pipe 192b may be omitted, and
the pipe support 433 may be configured to couple to the pipe outlet
192a and serve as a pipe to the hole 421.
[0077] An inner surface of the pipe support 433 and optionally the
holes 421 and 431, respectively, of the top plate 420 and the plate
support 430 may have grooves. The float 410 may include a head 411,
a stem 412, and engagement hooks or ribs 413 that fit within the
grooves of the pipe support 433 so that the float 410 may move up
and down within the holes 421 and 431. Alternatively, the ribs 413
may be configured to keep the float 410 at a fixed position within
the holes 421 and 431, and the float 410 may serve as a diverter
that remains partially inserted into the holes 421 and 431 and does
not move up and down.
[0078] The ribs 413 may be vertical extensions that are inclined
outward from a bottom end of the stem 412, and may form a V shape.
Inner ends of the ribs 413 may join at the bottom end of the stem
412 so that the stem 412 may be easily inserted into the pipe
support 430. Outer ends of the ribs 413 may have optional hooks or
vertical walls that fit within the grooves of the pipe support 430.
The ribs 413 may be pliable and bend slightly inward from the
bottom end of the stem 412 so that the outer ends may move toward
the stem 412 and fit within the pipe support 430.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 3B, an alternative float 410' may differ
from the float 410 only in that the ribs 413' may be vertical walls
or plates extending from an outer circumferential surface of the
stem 412. Outer edges or sides of the ribs 413' may fit within the
grooves of the pipe support 430. As exemplified in FIG. 3B, there
may be four ribs 413' provided at 90.degree. from each other around
the stem 412. The inner surface of the pipe support 430 may have
four corresponding vertical grooves along which the vertical sides
of the ribs 413' may move.
[0080] Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 3A, the stem 412 may have a
width or diameter that is smaller than a width or diameter of the
holes 421 and 431, while the head 411 may have a width or diameter
that is larger than a width or diameter of the holes 421 and 431.
The head 411 may resemble a dome or cap and have a semicircular
cross-section. Alternatively, the head 411 may have a truncated
cone or trumpet head shape having a wide upper end and a narrow
lower end. The stem 412 may have a T shape, and the head 411 may be
bonded or welded to the top end of the stem 412. Alternatively, the
head 411 and the stem 412 may be manufactured together as a single
element.
[0081] When water is discharged from the hole 421 of the top plate
420, the water may be sprayed between an upper edge of the hole 421
and a bottom edge of the head 411. A water film may be sprayed to
cover the upper surface of the top plate 420, and water may cascade
off the edge 420a of the top plate 420 into the filter assembly
300. Shapes of the head 411 and the hole 421, along with a pumping
capacity of the pump 192, may be configured such that a horizontal
(or radial) speed or velocity component of liquid discharged
through the hole 421 may be large enough to overcome the
predetermined angle or inclination of the top plate 420 so that the
liquid may flow over or drop off of the edge 420a. The float 410
may therefore serve as a diverter that changes a direction of a
flow of liquid from upward to horizontally or outward.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 4A-4D, the filter assembly 300 may
define an outer portion of the lid. The filter top 310 and filter
guide 320 of the filter assembly 300 may be provided below the top
plate 420 and plate support 430 of the dispensing assembly 400 so
that the filter guide 320 may catch liquid falling off the outer
edge 420a of the top plate 420. The filter top 310 may be
optionally installed. The filter top 310 and the filter guide 320
may be welded, bonded, or adhered together, or alternatively the
filter top 310 may be pressed-fit onto the filter guide 320.
[0083] The filter top 310 may be made of metal, and may include the
first filter surface 312 and an inclined wall or filter guard 313.
The filter top 310 may also be referred to as a drip tray. The
inclined wall 313 may be a wall that is inclined outward from the
first filter surface 312. Liquid may fall onto the filter top 310,
and may be prevented from splashing outside of the pet water
dispenser 1 by the inclined wall 313. The first filter surface 312
may have a flat plate or ring shape, and may include a plurality of
through holes through which contaminants may be filtered. The
through holes of the first filter surface 312 may have at least one
of a circular shape, arc shape, slot shape, or other appropriate
hole shapes to filter contaminants, and a size of the holes may be
uniform or may be different based on the size of the contaminants
to be filtered.
[0084] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the filter top 310 may include
an inner rim 314 defining the inner opening 311. The inner rim 314
may extend downward from an inner edge of the first filter surface
312, and may be provided around the flange 324 of the filter guide
320. The inner rim 314 may have a diameter that is equal to or
greater than a diameter of the flange 324. The inner rim 314 may
maintain a space between the filter top 310 and the filter guide
320 when the filter top 310 is coupled to the filter guide 320. The
flange 324 may protrude upward from the inner opening 311 of the
filter top 310 so that the protruding portion 434 of the plate
support 430 may be inserted onto the flange 324.
[0085] The filter guide 320 may be made of plastic, and may
optionally have an inclined wall or guide guard 323 corresponding
to the inclined wall 313 of the filter top 310. The inclined wall
323 may be a wall inclined outward from a guide surface 322 of the
filter guide 320. The inclined wall 313 of the filter top 310 may
have a similar or same inclination as the inclined wall 323 of the
filter guide 320 and may be provided on the inclined wall 323 of
the filter guide 320.
[0086] FIG. 4B shows the dispensing assembly 400 removed from the
filter assembly 300, while the filter assembly 300 is seated on the
upper rim 230 of the container 200. When the filter assembly 300 is
placed on top of the container 200, the inclined walls 313 and 323
of the filter top 310 and filter guide 320 may protrude outward
from the upper rim 230, and a predetermined angle (e.g.,
120.degree.) may be set between the upper rim 230 and the inclined
walls 313 and 313. FIG. 4C shows the filter top 310 removed from
the filter guide 320, while the filter guide 320 is still seated on
the container 200.
[0087] Heights of the inclined walls 313 and 323 may be coplanar
with the top plate 420 or may be less than a height of the top
plate 420 to facilitate consumption. Alternatively, heights of the
inclined walls 313 and 323 may be greater than a height of the top
plate 420 to further prevent liquid from splashing outside of the
pet water dispenser 1. A space or gap may be formed between top
ends of the inclined walls 313 and 323 and the edge 420a of the top
plate 420, and a size of the space may be configured to allow pets
easy access to liquid falling from the edge 420a of the top plate
420.
[0088] A bottom rim 327 may extend downward from a bottom of the
guide surface 322 and/or the inclined wall 323. The bottom rim 327
may be a vertical wall. The inclined wall 323 may be seated onto
the upper rim 230 of the container 200, and an upper end of the
inclined wall 323 may protrude out of the container 200. The
predetermined angle may be formed between the upper rim 230 and the
inclined wall 323 of the filter guide 320. The lid of the container
200 may be easily lifted out of the container 200 by the filter
assembly 300 to facilitate easy cleaning and refilling of
liquid.
[0089] When the filter assembly 300 is seated on the upper rim 230
of the container 200, the filter assembly 300 and the dispensing
assembly 400 may together substantially seal an upper opening of
the container 200 to thermally insulate the container 200 and
prevent foreign matter from dropping into the container 200. The
filter assembly 300 may close an outer edge of the upper opening by
being seated on the upper rim 230 of the container 200, and the
dispensing assembly 400 may close an inner portion of the upper
opening, as the protruding portion 434 of the support plate 430 may
cover openings of the 311 and 321 of the filter top 310 and the
filter guide 320. The protruding portion 434 may be seated on the
flange 324 of the filter guide 420.
[0090] The guide surface 322 may be a bottom surface of the filter
guide 320, and may extend from an inner, upper portion of the
bottom rim 327 or alternatively from a lower, inner end or portion
of the inclined wall 323. The guide surface 322 may be inclined to
allow water to flow downward toward an opening or a filter slot
325, similar to a ramp surface, as exemplified in FIG. 4C. The
guide surface 322 may also be inclined or sloped inward from the
lower end of the inclined wall 323 toward the flange 324 and/or the
opening 321 so that liquid is guided toward an inner edge of the
guide surface 322 (see also FIG. 5A).
[0091] Liquid that is filtered through the first filter surface 312
may drop down to the guide surface 322 and may be guided downward
toward the filter slot 325. The filter top 310 may be coupled to
the filter guide 320 such that the first filter surface 312 is
spaced apart from the guide surface 322 and to allow free flow of
the liquid. The guide surface 322 may resemble a ramp that curves
in a ring shape, with ends of the ramp being provided at a height
lower than a middle portion of the ramp so that liquid falling
through the first filter surface 312 onto the guide surface 322 may
be guided toward the filter slot 325 to be further filtered and
returned to the container 200. Since liquid may travel along the
guide surface 322 under the first filter surface 312, noise from
water dropping directly into the container 200 through the first
filter surface 312 may be reduced.
[0092] The filter slot 325 may include walls 325b and 325c
protruding downward from the bottom of the guide surface 322 and
the second filter surface 325a. There may be two side walls 325b
and a rear wall 325c that extend downward from the guide surface
322, and the second filter surface 325a may extend between the
walls 325b. An upper surface of the filter slot 325 may be an
opening in the guide surface 322, while the bottom surface of the
filter slot 325 may be defined by the second filter surface 325a.
The second filter surface 325a may be a plate and include a
plurality of through holes through which liquid is filtered.
Similar to the holes of the first filter surface 312, a size and
shape of the holes for the second filter surface 325a may be
adjusted based on types of contaminants to be filtered.
[0093] A filter tray 326 may be placed inside of the filter slot
325, and may have an outer perimeter having the same dimensions as
the inner perimeter of the filter slot 325. A front surface of the
filter slot 325 may include an opening through which the filter
tray 326 may be inserted, while the side and rear walls 325b and
325c may house the filter tray 326.
[0094] A filter material (e.g., carbon filter, mesh filter, porous
filter, cardboard or accordion filter, strainer etc.) may be
provided in the filter tray 326 to additionally filter the liquid
and to insulate the container 200 when the dispensing assembly 400
and filter assembly 300 are placed over the container 200. Liquid
may fall onto the filter top 310, filter through the first filter
surface 312, flow along the guide surface 322 of the filter guide
320, flow through the filter material of the filter tray 326, and
flow into the container 200 via the second filter surface 325a.
[0095] The filter tray 326 may include two side walls corresponding
to the side walls 325b of the filter slot 325, a rear wall
corresponding to the rear wall 325c of the filter slot 325, and a
front wall to seal the filter slot 325. The filter tray 326 may
optionally include walls extending between the front and rear walls
to hold the filter material. The filter tray 326 and/or the filter
material may be easily replaceable. An optional handle may be
provided on the front wall to facilitate easy removal.
[0096] The top plate 420, plate support 430, filter top 310, and
filter guide 320 may cover the upper opening of the container 200
to prevent contamination of liquid stored in the container 200 and
to thermally insulate the liquid in the container 200. The first
filter surface 312 may prevent foreign matter such as food on a
mouth or snout of a pet from falling into the container, and the
filter material of the filter tray 326 and the second filter
surface 325a may further filter foreign matter from the liquid
before the liquid returns to the container 200.
[0097] The openings 311 and 321 of the filter top 310 and filter
guide 320 may be provided at centers of the filter top 310 and the
filter guide 320. The flange 324 may surround the opening 321 of
the filter guide 320 and insert into the opening 311 of the filter
top 310. The protruding portion 434 of the plate support 430 may at
least partially insert into the openings 311 and 321 of the filter
top 310 and the filter guide 320, and an outer bottom surface of
the plate support 430 may rest on the flange 324 of the filter
guide 320. The secondary filter 240 provided in the container 200
may fit within the openings 311 and 321 of the filter top 310 and
the filter guide 320. More details on the secondary filter 240 will
be provided with reference to FIG. 6.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 5A-5C, the container 200 may be
formed of the outer wall 210, the inner wall 220, and the upper rim
230. The inner and outer walls 220 and 210 may be molded as one
piece (e.g., injection molded plastic), or may be manufactured
separately and later combined by connected top ends of the outer
and inner walls 210 and 220. Alternatively, the inner and outer
walls 220 and 210 may be injection molded together in halves (e.g.,
left and right halves each having a half of the inner wall 220 and
the outer wall 210), and the halves may be bonded or fused
together.
[0099] The upper rim 230 may fit onto and over the top ends of the
outer and inner walls 210 and 220. The outer wall 210 may include a
stepped portion 211 leading into a recessed upper rim of the outer
wall 210. The inner wall 220 may also include a stepped portion 224
leading into a recessed upper rim of the inner wall 220. The upper
rim 230 may be formed in an upside-down V-shape to be provided onto
the recessed upper rims of the inner and outer walls 220 and 210.
The upper rim 230 may be configured such that when the upper rim
230 is pressed-fit and/or adhered onto the recessed upper rims of
the inner and outer walls 220 and 210, there may be a seamless
outer surface from the outer wall 210 to the upper rim 230. The
upper rim 230 may cover the connected top ends of the inner and
outer walls 220 and 210, and may be detachable.
[0100] Alternatively, the upper rim 230 may be omitted. In such a
case, the outer and inner walls 210 and 220 may not include stepped
portions 211 and 224, respectively, and shapes or inclinations of
the outer and inner walls 210 and 220 may be configured to support
the filter assembly 300. When the upper rim 230 is omitted, the
outer and inner walls 210 and 220 join at upper ends to cover a
space S1 formed between the inner and outer walls 210 and 220.
[0101] As another alternative, when the upper rim 230 is included,
ends of the outer and inner walls 210 and 220 may not join, and the
upper rim 230 may serve to cover the space S1. In such a case, the
upper rim 230 may be further adhered or sealed to the stepped
portions 211 and 223 of the outer and inner walls 210 and 220 to
secure the outer wall 210 to the inner wall 220 and to seal the
space S1.
[0102] The inner wall 220 may be cylindrical, while the outer wall
210 may be inclined outward from the top end of the inner wall 220.
The upper rim 230 may be inclined to match an inclination of the
outer wall 210. The container 200 as a whole may have a trapezoidal
cross section or truncated cone shape having an upper end that is
narrower than a lower end, but shapes of the container 200 are not
limited to a truncated cone shape. For example, the outer wall 210
may also be cylindrical, and the upper rim 230 may not have an
inclination. Such a configuration would render the container 200
cylindrical. When the container 200 has a truncated cone shape
having a diameter that diminishes from the bottom end to the top
end, a center of mass of the container 200 may be lower, and the
container 200 may be stably positioned on the floor.
[0103] Lower ends of the inner and outer walls 220 and 210 may be
spaced apart from each other. A space S1 may be provided between
the inner and outer walls 220 and 210, and air may fill the space
to insulate the container 200 and keep the liquid in the container
200 cool (or alternatively, warm). The inner and outer walls 220
and 210 may be a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic) so
that a user may visually check a liquid level or a possible
contamination of liquid in the container 200, while the upper rim
230 may be made of an opaque material (e.g., stainless steel or
pigmented plastic) to enhance aesthetics of the container 200.
[0104] The inner wall 220 may also include a bottom surface
including an outer bottom surface 221 and an inner bottom surface
223. The inner bottom surface 223 may be provided to be lower than
the outer bottom surface 221, and a vertical wall or extension 222
may connect the inner bottom surface 223 and the outer bottom
surface 221. The inner bottom surface 223 may be a circular recess
within the bottom of the container 200 and recessed downward from
the outer bottom surface 221. The extension 222 may correspond to a
vertical wall or flange 112b extending downward to define the
opening 112a of the upper frame 110 of the base 100.
[0105] The inner bottom surface 223 may be closer to devices (e.g.,
Peltier device 191b, heat sink 160) provided in the base 100,
whereas the outer bottom surface 221 may be raised to be higher and
further away from devices (e.g., center plate 130, heat sink 160)
in the base 100 that may generate heat. There may be a gap or space
S2 between an upper surface of the upper frame 110 of the base 100
and the heat sink 160 so as to further insulate the outer bottom
surface 221 of the container 200. The outer bottom surface 221 may
be curved from the inner wall 220 to form a curved corner.
Alternatively, the inner and outer bottom surfaces 223 and 221 may
be formed as a separate piece, and the inner bottom surface 223 may
be later bonded or welded to a lower end of the inner wall 200.
[0106] A diameter of the inner bottom surface 223 may be equal to
or less than a diameter of the secondary filter 240. The inner
bottom surface 223 may include the pump housing 292 in which the
pump 192 may be provided, and may also include a wiring hole 226
through which wires of the pump 192 may be inserted to connect to a
printed circuit board 195 and/or a battery 196 provided in the base
100 (FIG. 10D) and to be described later. A sealant or gasket may
be provided in the wiring hole 226 to prevent liquid in the
container 200 from leaking into the base 100. The inner bottom
surface 223 may further include a Peltier hole or opening 225
through which the metal 191a on top of the Peltier device 191b may
be exposed. The Peltier hole 225 of the container 200 may have a
size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of an upper
portion of the metal 191a. A sealant or gasket may be provided in
the Peltier hole 225 to prevent liquid in the container 200 from
leaking into the base 100. Although a circular metal 191a and
Peltier hole 225 is shown, the shapes of the metal 191a and Peltier
hole 225 are not limited thereto. For example, the metal 191a and
Peltier hole 225 may have a rectangular shape. The inner bottom
surface 223 may further include openings or holes through which the
sterilizing light 194 and the liquid temperature sensor 193 may
protrude, and a sealant or gasket may be provided in the openings
for the sterilizing light 194 and the liquid temperature sensor 193
to prevent liquid from leaking into the base 100.
[0107] Referring also to FIG. 1F, the pump housing 292 may be
provided near a center of the inner bottom surface 223 so that the
pump 192 may be provided in a center of the container 200 below the
pipe support 433, but positions of the pump housing 292 and the
pump 192 are not limited thereto. The Peltier hole 225 may be
provided at a side of the pump 192 having a pump inlet 192c so that
liquid enters the pump 192 after having been heated or cooled by
the Peltier device 192b and metal 191a. The pump inlet 192c may be
configured to be adjacent to the metal 191a, and the Peltier hole
225 may be provided near or adjacent to the pump housing 292.
[0108] The metal 191a may serve as a heat sink that directly
contacts liquid in the container 200 and an upper surface of the
Peltier device 191b. The Peltier device 191b may be mounted on a
heat sink 160, and details of the Peltier device 191b, metal 191a,
and heat sink 160 are described later with reference to FIGS.
10A-10F. There may be a gasket having high thermal conductivity
between the Peltier hole 225 and Peltier device 191b to seal the
Peltier hole 225 so that liquid does not seep into the base 100.
The metal 191a may also be glued or bonded in the Peltier hole 225
so that the Peltier hole 225 may be sealed. The Peltier device 191b
may be provided directly under the inner bottom surface 223 of the
container 200 so that the liquid in the container 200 may be
efficiently heated or cooled before being suctioned into the pump
inlet 192c. The Peltier hole 225 may be provided close to the pump
housing 292 so that water entering the pump inlet 192c may be
cooled (or heated) after passing over the metal 191a.
[0109] The pump housing 292 may be formed of at least two walls
extending upward from the inner bottom surface 223. As exemplified
in FIG. 1F, the pump housing 292 may have three walls to create a
housing having an inner perimeter with dimensions (e.g., length and
width) equal to dimensions of an outer perimeter of the pump 192. A
bumper or gasket having an elastic material (e.g., rubber) may be
provided along an inner perimeter of the pump housing 292. The
bumper may further secure and cushion the pump 192 within the pump
housing 292.
[0110] A bottom surface of the pump 192 may also have at least one
suction cup to secure the pump 192 to the center of the inner
bottom surface 223. The pump housing 292 may be optional, and the
pump 192 may attach to the inner bottom surface 223 via the suction
cup. The suction cup may also be optional, and the pump 192 may
alternatively be secured only within the pump housing 292 of the
inner bottom surface 223. The pump 192 may be a submersive or
submersion pump.
[0111] The inner bottom surface 223 may also include a light
housing 294 through which light from a sterilizing light 194 may be
guided. The light housing 294 may be a cylindrical shell
surrounding an opening in the bottom of the inner bottom surface
223. Alternatively, there may not be an opening, and light from the
sterilizing light 194 may radiate through the transparent material
of the inner bottom surface 223 and be guided by the light housing
294 upward to sterilize liquid in the container 200.
[0112] The sterilizing light 194 may be mounted on the heat sink
160 and/or a center plate or disc 130 provided under the inner
bottom surface 223. The sterilizing light 194 may include at least
one light emitting diode (LED) or organic light emitting diode
(OLED) that emits ultraviolet radiation to sterilize liquid in the
container 200. The sterilizing light 194 may also include an LED or
LED that emits visible light. The light housing 294 may have a
cylindrical shell shaped to shield UV radiation from being emitted
directly toward a user's eye's, and may guide or reflect the UV
radiation upward to sterilize liquid suctioned into the pump inlet
192c and/or liquid flowing over the pump cover 251. An inner
surface of the light housing 294 may be formed of or coated with a
reflective material. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the
sterilizing light 194 may include a light emitting diode that emits
visible light (blue light or yellow light), which may be diffused
into the liquid stored in the container 200 to enhance
aesthetics.
[0113] A controller C in the base 100, which may be provided on a
printed circuit board (PCB) 195 (FIG. 8B), may control the
sterilizing light 194 to operate at regular periodic intervals. The
user may also select when to operate the sterilizing light 194 via
the user interface 114 and/or a mobile application.
[0114] The liquid temperature sensor 193 (e.g., thermometer) may
protrude through center plate 130 and inner bottom surface 223 to
directly contact liquid stored in the container 200 and measure a
temperature of the liquid. The liquid temperature sensor 193 may be
or include a probe protruding into the container 200. Alternatively
or in addition thereto, there may be a contamination level sensor
protruding into the container 200 or provided within the container
200 to sense a contamination level of liquid in the container 200.
The controller C may operate the sterilizing light 194 based on a
contamination level sensed by the contamination level sensor.
[0115] The inner bottom surface 223 may be optional, and the
extension 222 extending below the outer bottom surface 221 may be
welded or bonded to the center plate 130. In such a configuration,
the center plate 130 may include the pump housing 292 and the light
housing 294. The center plate 130 may include a light hole 132,
wiring hole 136, and a Peltier hole 131 (FIG. 9A). Details of the
center plate 130 will be described with reference to FIGS.
8A-9C.
[0116] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 6, the secondary filter 240 may be
a cylindrical filter or strainer made of a rigid material (e.g.,
metal or stainless steel) and may be easily removed from the
container 200. The secondary filter 240 may be a strainer having a
plurality of through holes 241 to filter foreign matter from
liquid. Alternatively, the filter 240 may have a mesh structure.
The secondary filter 240 may further include upper and lower rims
242 and 243, respectively. Although FIG. 6 shows that the upper and
lower rims 242 and 243 do not have through holes, the upper and
lower rims 242 and 243 could optionally include through holes. The
secondary filter 240 may be placed on the bottom cover 250 to
surround the pump cover 251.
[0117] The secondary filter 240 may be cylindrical, as shown in the
figures, or alternatively may have a truncated cone shape having a
wider upper rim 242 and a narrower lower rim 243 to increase the
surface area forming the holes. As an example, such a truncated
cone shape may have a greater number of holes. The secondary filter
240 may be hollow on an inside with upper and lower openings so
that the pipe support 433 may be easily inserted into the upper
opening, and the pump 192 and/or the pump cover 251 of the bottom
cover 250 may be easily inserted into the lower opening.
[0118] A diameter of the secondary filter 240 may be smaller than
diameters or widths of the openings 311 and 321, and a height of
the secondary filter 240 may be smaller than a distance from a
bottom of the container 200 to a top of the flange 324. The
secondary filter 240 may not contact the flange 342 or the plate
support 430 when the pet water dispenser 1 is assembled.
Alternatively, the secondary filter 240 may be configured to have a
height that is equal to a height from the bottom of the container
200 to a top of the flange 324 to provide additional support to the
plate support 430. The secondary filter 240 may or may not be
required. As another alternative, a height and diameter of the
secondary filter 240 may be configured such that the upper rim 242
replaces the flange 324.
[0119] The pipe 192b and pipe support 433 may be provided inside of
the filter 240, and the secondary filter 240 may serve to hide the
inner bottom surface 223 of the container 200, the pipe 192b, and
the pipe support 433 to create a more uniform appearance of the pet
water dispenser 1. When the secondary filter 240 is placed on the
bottom cover 250, the upper rim 242 may at least partially overlap
with the flange 324 of the filter guide 320.
[0120] The plurality of through holes 241 may filter particles
having a size larger than a size of the plurality of the holes 241.
Similar to the first and second filter surfaces 312 and 325a, a
size and shape of the holes 241 of the secondary filter 240 may be
adjusted based on types of contaminants to be filtered.
[0121] A size of the plurality of the through holes in the first
filter surface 312 may be larger than a size of the plurality of
through holes in the second filter surface 325a, which may in turn
be larger than a size of the plurality of through holes of the
secondary filter 240. The secondary filter 240 may filter smaller
particles than the first and second filter surfaces 312 and 325a.
Alternatively, the size of the plurality of through holes of the
secondary filter 240 may be larger than a size of the plurality of
through holes in the first and second filter surfaces 312 and 325a
to facilitate a flow of water toward the pump 192. The secondary
filter 240 may be optional, and may be configured to have various
heights and shapes.
[0122] Referring to FIGS. 1E, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B, the bottom cover
250 may be made of an opaque material (e.g., pigmented plastic or
metal) and may be placed on the bottom of the container 200 to
cover the inner and outer bottom surfaces 223 and 221. Since the
container 200 may be transparent, the bottom cover 250 may cover
the bottom of the container 200 to hide wiring inserted into the
wiring hole 226, which may be visible under the transparent bottom
of the container 200, and may also hide the pump 192, light housing
294, pump housing 292, sterilizing light 194, and liquid
temperature sensor 193.
[0123] The outer ring 256 and the pump cover 251 may be
manufactured separately and bonded or welded together, or the outer
ring 256 may remain separate from the pump cover 251. In such a
separate configuration, at least one of the outer ring 256 and the
pump cover 251 may be optional. The outer ring 256 may have a ring
shape corresponding to the outer bottom surface 221 of the
container 200, while the pump cover 251 may have a cap shape having
a side surface formed of extensions 254 and/or a side surface
having a plurality of holes or openings to allow liquid to flow to
the pump 192 provided under the pump cover 251.
[0124] A shape of the bottom cover 250 may be configured to
correspond to a shape of the bottom of the container 200 within the
inner wall 220. Although the figures exemplify a cylindrical inner
wall 220, a ring-shaped outer bottom surface 221, and a circular
inner bottom surface 223 to correspond to a bottom cover 250 having
a ring-shaped outer ring 256 and a circular pump cover 251,
embodiments disclosed are not limited to circular shapes.
[0125] The pump cover 251 may protrude above the outer ring 256,
which may be an outer or flat portion of the bottom cover 250. The
pump cover 251 may protrude upward to form an inner space in which
the pump 192, pump housing 292, sterilizing light 194, and light
housing 294 may be provided. The pump cover 251 may have a cap or
dome shape with a height that is equal to or higher than a height
of the pump 192 and a lower diameter or width that is similar to a
diameter or width of the inner bottom surface 223 of the container
200. A plurality of extensions or ribs 254 may protrude upward from
an inner edge of the outer ring 256 to form a side of the pump
cover 251. The extensions 254 may be inclined inward from the outer
ring 256 toward the pump cover 251.
[0126] There may be a plurality of holes or openings formed between
the plurality of extensions 254 so that liquid may enter the
openings and be suctioned into the pump inlet 192c. A size of the
openings may be larger than a size of the through holes 241 of the
secondary filter 240 to facilitate a free flow of filtered liquid
to the pump 192. A spacing between the extensions 254 may be
varied. Alternatively, instead of a plurality of extensions 254, a
side surface of the pump cover 251 may be a filter having through
holes to additionally filter foreign matter from the liquid. In
such an alternative embodiment, the size and shape of the through
holes of the pump cover 251 may be smaller than a size and shape of
the through holes 241 of the secondary filter 240, first filter
surface 312, and second filter surface 325a to filter finer
particles than the secondary filter 240, first filter surface 312,
and second filter surface 325a. Alternatively the size and shape of
the through holes of the pump cover 251 may be larger than a size
and shape of the through holes 241 of the secondary filter 240,
first filter surface 312, and second filter surface 325a to
facilitate a flow of liquid to the pump inlet 192C.
[0127] A top surface of the pump cover 251 may include an outlet
hole 252 through which the pump outlet 192a may be inserted.
Alternatively, the pump outlet 192a may be covered by the pump
cover 251, and the pipe 192b may be inserted through the outlet
hole 252. The top surface of the cover 251 may also include a light
hole or housing 253 to guide light from the sterilizing light
194.
[0128] As shown in view FIG. 7B, the light housing 253 may extend
below the top surface of the pump cover 251 to fit around the light
housing 294 of the container 200. As an alternative, the light
housing 253 may be inserted into the light housing 294 of the
container 200. In such an alternative, an inner surface of the
light housing 253 may be coated with an optional reflective layer
so that light may be dispersed throughout the liquid in the
container.
[0129] A bottom surface of the bottom cover 250 may include at
least one rib or flange 255 that is inserted into the recession of
the inner bottom surface 223 to space the pump cover 251 apart from
the pump 192 and prevent lateral movement of the bottom cover 250.
The flange 255 and/or the bottom cover 250 should have a weight
sufficient to keep the bottom cover 250 on the bottom of the
container 200. Alternatively, the rib 255 may be provided at a
position on the bottom cover 250 to space the bottom cover 250
apart from the outer bottom surface 221 of the container 250. The
bottom cover 250 may be made of an opaque material, such as metal
or pigmented plastic. As another alternative, there may be a rib or
flange extending upward from the inner bottom surface 223 or the
outer bottom surface 221 to space the bottom cover 250 and/or the
pump cover 251 from the inner and outer bottom surfaces 223 and 221
of the container 200.
[0130] The secondary filter 240 may fit around the pump cover 251
and may be placed on an inner portion of the outer ring 256. A
widest width or diameter of the pump cover 251 may be equal to or
less than a width or diameter of the lower rim 243 of the secondary
filter 240. The outer ring 256 may include an optional groove
surrounding the pump cover 251 in which the secondary filter 240
may be inserted and aligned to further prevent lateral movement of
the secondary filter 240.
[0131] The outer ring 256 may cover the outer bottom surface 221 of
the container 200. An overall diameter or width of the bottom cover
250 may be equal to or less than that of the bottom of the
container 200. Since the container 200 may be transparent, the
bottom cover 250 may serve to cover the pump 192 and any wiring or
glue that may be visible under the bottom of the container 200. The
secondary filter 240 and the bottom cover 250 may be easily lifted
out of the container 200 to easily correct a displacement of the
pump 192 or to clean the container 200.
[0132] At least one of the secondary filter 240, the outer ring 256
and the pump cover 251 may be optional. For example, the secondary
filter 240 may serve to cover the pump 192, and the bottom cover
250 may be omitted. Alternatively, the pump cover 251 may be
omitted from the bottom cover 250, and the secondary filter 240 may
be inserted into a central hole of the outer ring 256. As another
alternative, the pump cover 251 may be provided without the outer
ring 256, and the secondary filter 240 may surround and maintain a
position of the pump cover 251. As another alternative, the
secondary filter 240 may be omitted, and the pump cover 251 may
include a plurality of through holes to filter the liquid.
[0133] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B and 8A-8C, the inner and outer
bottom surfaces 223 and 221 of the container 200 may be placed on
an upper surface of the upper frame 110. The lower frame 120 may be
coupled to (e.g., snap fitted, pressed-fitted, bolted, screwed, or
adhered to) the upper frame 110. The upper and lower frames 110 and
120 may have cap shapes to form an outer wall or side of the base
100, along with upper and lower surfaces, respectively. A lower rim
of the upper frame 110 may include a groove and rib that are snap
fitted into a corresponding groove and rib formed on an upper rim
of the lower frame 120. The upper frame 110 of the base 100 may
primarily serve as an upper cover, and may be snap fit,
pressed-fit, screwed onto, etc. the lower frame 120 to create a
space where electronic devices and cooling elements (e.g., printed
circuit boards 114c and 195, proximity sensor 125, and heat sink
160) may be installed or provided.
[0134] An outer surface of the lower frame 120 may have a convex
curvature or curved bottom edge. A user may easily lift the pet
water dispenser 1 by holding the curved bottom edge of the lower
frame 120 without having to wedge a finger between a bottom surface
of the lower frame 120 and the floor or ground. In addition, the
curved bottom edge of the lower frame 120 may rock if an external
force is applied to the pet water dispenser 1 and rock back to an
initial position to reorient the pet water dispenser 1 to be
upright. The curved edge of the lower frame 120 may prevent the pet
water dispenser 1 from being completely overturned.
[0135] The upper frame 110 may include outer and inner covers 111
and 112 forming outer and inner portions of the upper surface of
the base 100. The upper surface of the base 100 may also include a
vertical wall or flange 112b extended downward from the inner cover
112 and defining an inner opening 112a. The flange 112b may
correspond to the extension 222 of the bottom of the container 200,
and the opening 112a may correspond to the inner bottom surface
223. The inner bottom surface 223 may be a circular recess that
protrudes downward and is inserted into the opening 112a.
[0136] The metal 191a, sterilizing light 194, and liquid
temperature sensor 193 mounted on the heat sink 160 may be exposed
through the opening 112a. A center plate 130, which may have a
circular shape corresponding to a shape of the opening 112a, may be
exposed through the opening 112a. Alternatively, a portion of an
optional top plate 140 placed on top of the center plate 130 may be
exposed through the opening 112a. Together, the outer and inner
covers 111 and 112 and the center and top plates 130 and 140, in
addition to the inner and outer surfaces bottom 223 and 221 of the
container 200, may shield an inside of the base 100 from liquid so
that electronic devices (e.g., fan 180, Peltier device 191b)
provided in the base 100 are sealed from liquid stored in the
container 200.
[0137] The guide rib 113 may separate the outer and inner covers
111 and 112, and the outer bottom surface 221 of the inner wall 220
of the container 220 may be seated on the inner cover 112 and
provided within the guide rib 113. The guide rib 113 may extend
along an entire circumferential direction of the upper surface of
the upper frame 110 to prevent lateral displacement of the inner
wall 220 of the container 200. Alternatively or in addition
thereto, the outer bottom surface 221 may further be adhered to the
inner cover 112.
[0138] The outer cover 111 may include a guide groove 119 (FIG. 9A)
in which the lower end of the outer wall 210 of the container 200
may be inserted. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the lower
end of the outer wall 210 may include a protrusion or extension
that is configured to fit into the guide groove 119, and the outer
wall 210 may be snap fitted onto the outer cover 111 of the upper
frame 110 of the base 100.
[0139] The user interface 114 may be provided on the upper frame
110 of the base 100. Alternatively, the user interface 114 may be
provided on the lower frame 120 of the base 100 or in the upper rim
230 of the container. In such an alternative embodiment where
electronic devices (like the user interface 114) are provided in
the upper rim 230 of the container, the upper rim 230 may be
configured to have an inner space to house the electronic devices,
wires, a battery, a socket or terminal, and/or a wireless power
transceiver.
[0140] The user interface 114 may allow a user to select modes,
temperature, etc. of the pet water dispenser 1. Although the user
interface 114 is exemplified as having buttons 114b and/or light
emitting devices 114e, embodiments disclosed are not limited
thereto, and the user interface 114 may be a digital display, a
liquid crystal (LCD) display, a touch screen, etc. For convenience
of description, an example where the user interface 114 includes
buttons 114b and light emitting devices 114e will be described. In
addition, a user may control the pet water dispenser 1 via a mobile
application that communicates via WiFi or Bluetooth with a
communication or WiFi module of the controller C provided on the
printed circuit board 195, which will be described in more detail
with reference to FIG. 12.
[0141] The upper frame 110 of the base 100 may include at least one
button hole or opening 114a in which at least one button 114b may
be inserted. The button 114b may be connected to a printed circuit
board 114c. Based on a pressing pattern of the button 114b by the
user, the button 114b may contact the printed circuit board 114c to
transmit various types of signals to the controller C on the
printed circuit board 195. The upper frame 110 may further include
at least one light hole 114d, and at least one light emitting
device 114e such as a light emitting diode (LED) or an organic
light emitting diode (OLED) may be provided above the button 114b
on the printed circuit board 114c. The light emitting device 114e
may emit lights of various wavelengths and colors through the light
hole 114d under the control of the controller C on the printed
circuit board 195 to indicate at least one of a status or operation
of the pet water dispenser 1.
[0142] Although a single light emitting device 114e behind the
light hole 114d is exemplified, shapes of the light emitting device
114e are not limited thereto. For example, the light emitting
device 114e may be ring shaped and include a plurality of LEDs or
OLEDs, and the light emitting device 114e may be installed in a
groove formed on the upper frame 110 of the base 100. As another
alternative, the light emitting device 114e may be installed in the
lower frame 120 of the base 100 or in the upper rim 230 of the
container. The ring-shaped light emitting device 114e may include a
plurality of LEDs or OLEDs to soothe an animal who may be suffering
from seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression. The light
emitting device 114e of the pet water dispenser 1 may also be used
as a lamp or mood settling light.
[0143] A user may press the button 114d once to select a first mode
(e.g., an ON mode), and the light emitting device 114e may emit a
first color (e.g., green) to indicate that the pet water dispenser
1 is turned on, and the pump 192a may be operated. The user may
press the button 114d twice to select a second mode (e.g., an OFF
mode), and the light emitting device 114e may emit a second color
(e.g., red) to indicate that the pet water dispenser 1 is turned
off, and the pump 192 may be turned off.
[0144] The user may also select a cooling mode or a fast cooling
mode to operate the fan 180 and Peltier device 191b and cool the
liquid, and the light emitting device 114e may emit blue light. The
user may also select a heating mode to operate the Peltier device
191b to heat the liquid. Other modes may include a manual mode
(where a user must further indicate whether to operate the pump 192
or to cool or heat the liquid via the Peltier device 191b) or an
automatic mode, where the pump 192 and the Peltier device 191b may
be operated based on a liquid temperature sensed by the liquid
temperature sensor 193 and/or at least one proximity sensor
125.
[0145] The proximity sensor 125 may be a radar sensor that emits
radio waves to sense whether a pet is approaching the pet water
dispenser 1. Since the proximity sensor 125 uses radar technology,
it may not be necessary to include holes in the upper frame 110
through which the proximity sensor 125 transmits a signal.
Alternatively, the proximity sensor 125 may transmit a signal
(e.g., a laser signal) via holes or openings provided in the upper
frame 110, and an optional transmission membrane may cover the
holes or openings.
[0146] The proximity sensor 125 may be provided at an inner
circumferential surface of the lower frame 120 or behind the outer
walls of the upper and lower frames 110 and 120 to face outward,
but embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to such a location
so long as the proximity sensor 125 can emit signals outward. There
may be a plurality of proximity sensors 125 provided at equal
intervals along a perimeter or the inner circumferential surface of
the lower frame 120. For example, there may be four proximity
sensors 125 provided at 90 degrees away from each other when the
lower frame 120 is circular. As another example, there may be three
proximity sensors 125 provided at 120 degrees away from each other.
A number and arrangement of proximity sensors 125 is not limited to
three and four, and there may be more or less proximity sensors 125
arranged in the base 100 at various intervals.
[0147] Alternatively or in addition thereto, there may be a
mounting portion extending from inner circumferential surfaces of
the upper and/or lower frame 110 and/or 120, and a recess or cavity
may be formed in an upper surface of the mounting portion to house
the proximity sensor 125 and/or other electronic devices (e.g.,
printed circuit boards 114c and 195). Alternatively, the upper rim
230 of the container 200 may be configured to have a mounting
portion protruding outward from an outer circumferential surface to
house the proximity sensor 125 and/or a camera or image sensor. In
yet another alternative, there may be a camera or image sensor
provided in the upper frame 110 as part of the user interface 114,
and the upper frame 110 may include a hole through which the camera
or image sensor may capture images.
[0148] The upper frame 110 may further include exhaust vents or an
exhaust grill 115 to exhaust hot or cool air from inside of the
base 100 to an outside. Alternatively, the exhaust vents 115 may be
provided on a side surface of the lower frame 120. The exhaust
vents 115 may be vertical slots configured to align with ends of
the radiating fins 162 of the heat sink 160, which will be
described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-10F.
[0149] A bottom surface of the bottom frame 120 of the base 100 may
include at least one leg or flange 127 to space the base 100 apart
from the ground. A plurality of base legs or flanges 127 spaced
from each other along the circumferential direction of the lower
frame 120 may be provided at a lower edge or bottom surface of the
lower frame 120. The weight sensor 124 may also serve to space the
base 100 apart from the ground.
[0150] The bottom surface of the bottom frame 120 may also include
the suction grill 121 through which ambient air may be suctioned
into the base via the fan 180 and air/liquid discharge slots 122
through which errant liquid may be discharged. The suction grill
121 may include a plurality of arc-shaped slots or through holes
extending in a circumferential direction. Alternatively, the
suction grill 121 may include a plurality of elongated slots
extending radially outward from a center of the lower frame 120,
may include a spiral-shaped opening, or may include a grid or
mesh-shaped grill having rectangular holes. The suction grill 121
may be configured to correspond to a position of the fan 180.
[0151] The discharge slots 122 may be arc-shaped slots or
through-holes formed on an outer portion or edge of the bottom
surface of the lower frame 120. Positions of the discharge slots
122 may correspond to ends of the fan housing 170, and details of a
flow path of errant liquid or condensate down toward the discharge
slots 122 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
10A-10F.
[0152] Referring to FIGS. 8C-9C, the center plate 130 may have a
shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 112a (e.g.,
circle). A diameter of the center plate 130 may be slightly larger
than a diameter of the opening 112a, and the center plate 130
and/or a top plate 140 provided above the center plate 130 may be
coupled (e.g., welded, adhered, or fused) to the flange 112b to
cover the opening 112a. The center plate 130 may be formed as one
piece with the inner and outer covers 112 and 111 of the base 100,
or alternatively may be formed as a separate piece and later welded
or bonded to the flange 112b of the inner cover 112 and/or the
extension 222 and the inner bottom surface 221 of the container
200. Although FIG. 9B shows an example where the center plate 130
has the pump housing 292 in which the pump 192 is provided, the
pump housing 292 may alternatively be provided on the inner bottom
surface 223 of the container 200, as shown in FIG. 1F.
[0153] The center plate 130 may include a Peltier hole or opening
131 through which the metal 191a is inserted, a light hole 132
through which the sterilizing light 194 may be inserted or exposed,
and a wiring hole 136 through which wires connected to the pump 192
in the container 200 may pass. The wiring hole 136 may include an
optional cylindrical housing that is inserted into the wiring hole
226 to further insulate wires and to prevent liquid from seeping
outside of the wiring holes 226 and 136 into the base 100. The
metal 191a may be inserted through the Peltier hole 131 of the
center plate 130 and the Peltier hole 225 (FIG. 5C) of the inner
bottom surface 223 of the container 200, and the metal 191a may be
mounted on the Peltier device 191b to heat or cool liquid before
the liquid enters the pump 192.
[0154] The Peltier device 191b may be mounted on the heat sink 160
and serve to space the center plate 130 apart from the heat sink
160 (and/or an optional top plate 140 provided on the heat sink
160) by a gap or space S3. A length of the gap or space S3 may be
equal to a height of the Peltier device 191b.
[0155] The Peltier hole 131 of the center plate 130 may have a size
and shape corresponding to a bottom portion of the metal 191a
mounted on the heat sink 160. Alternatively, the Peltier hole 131
of the center plate 130 may have a size and shape corresponding to
an upper portion of the metal that is formed to be smaller than the
bottom portion of the metal 191a, and the center plate 130 may be
seated on the bottom portion of the metal 191a. In such an
alternative embodiment, the gap or space S3 between the center
plate 130 and the heat sink 160 may be equal to a sum of a height
of the lower portion of the metal 191a and the height of the
Peltier device 191b.
[0156] The center plate 130 may further include a temperature
sensor hole 133 through which the liquid temperature sensor 193 may
protrude. The liquid temperature sensor 193 may include a base 193a
mounted on a heat dissipation plate 161 of the heat sink 160 and a
probe that protrudes through the inner bottom surface 223 of the
container 200 into the container 200. The Peltier device 191b,
sterilizing light 194, the pump 192, and the liquid temperature
sensor 193 may be electrically connected to the printed circuit
board 195 and/or a battery 196 (FIG. 10D) provided above the
printed circuit board 195.
[0157] The center plate 130 may have a circular disc shape
corresponding to a shape of the inner bottom surface 223 of the
container 200. However, embodiments disclosed herein are not
limited to a circular center plate 130. For example, the center
plate 130 may be rectangular and have a shape that corresponds to
the heat dissipation plate 161 of the heat sink 160.
[0158] The center plate 130 may be provided between and/or below a
pair of side plates 150. The side plates 150 may have a height
higher than that of the center plate 130, and may be provided under
the outer and inner covers 111 and 112 of the upper frame 110 of
the base. The side plates 150 may be provided above and spaced
apart from the heat sink 160 and/or an optional top plate 140 to
create a gap or space S2 (FIGS. 5A-5B). The space S2 under the side
plates 150 may communicate with the space S3 under the center plate
130. The pair of side plates 150 may not contact the center plate
130, and may be adhered to a bottom surface of the outer and inner
covers 111 and 112.
[0159] The optional top plate 140 may be provided on top of the
heat dissipation plate 161 of the heat sink 160 (FIGS. 5B, 5C, and
11B), or alternatively may be provided above the center plate 130
(FIGS. 2B and 8C). As another alternative, the top plate 140 may
include an opening through which the entire center plate 130 is
inserted, the center plate 130 may be coplanar with the top plate
140. The top plate 140 may include holes through which the Peltier
device 191b, sterilizing light 194, and liquid temperature sensor
193 are exposed, in addition to a hole to accommodate wires passing
through the wiring hole 227. The top plate 140, the side plates
150, and the center plate 130 may isolate the heat sink 160 so that
the container 200 is not unintentionally heated by any heat emitted
by the heat sink 160 and/or a motor provided in the fan 180. The
top plate 140, side plates 150, and center plate 130 may be made of
an insulating material and serve as gaskets. Alternatively, the top
plate 140, side plates 150, and center plate 130 may be made of
metal.
[0160] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 10A-10F, the heat sink 160 may be
provided under the center plate 130, top plate 140, and side plates
150 and provided above the fan 180 and fan housing 170. The heat
dissipation plate 161 may be provided below the center plate 130,
top plate 140, and side plates 150. The plurality of radiating fins
162 may be provided below the heat dissipation plate 161 to face an
upper surface or outtake of the fan 180.
[0161] The radiating fins 162 and the heat dissipation plate 161
may be formed of the same material, which may be a material that
has high heat conductivity like metal (e.g., copper or aluminum).
The radiating fins 162 may be arranged in a row structure
configured to direct air toward the exhaust vents 115, and ends of
the rows may align with the exhaust vents 115 when the upper frame
110 is coupled to the lower frame 120 (compare FIGS. 10E and 10F).
Ends of the radiating fins 162 and the exhaust vents 115 may
correspond to left and right sides of the pet water dispenser 1,
while the user interface 114 may correspond to a front, and the
socket 118 may correspond to a back. Ends of the heat sink 160
corresponding to the exhaust vents 115 may be curved to correspond
to a curvature of the side wall of the upper frame 110.
Corresponding ends of the top plate 140 and side plates 150 may be
similarly curved.
[0162] Although the figures show a plurality of longitudinal
radiating fins 162 extending linearly across the heat dissipation
plate 161, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to such a
configuration of the heat sink 160. For example, the heat
dissipation plate 161 may be formed as a circular disc or a ring,
and the radiating fins 162 may extend radially outward from a
center of the heat dissipation plate 161, may be formed as annular
rings extending in a circumferential direction, or may be square or
rectangular fins that face each other and are provided at equal
intervals around an outer circumference of the heat dissipation
plate 161. In another alternative embodiment, the heat dissipation
plate 161 may be formed as a ring with a hole, and the fan 180 may
be inserted into the hole instead of provided under the heat sink
160.
[0163] The Peltier device 191b, liquid temperature sensor 193, and
the sterilizing light 194 may be provided on the heat dissipation
plate 161. As an alternative, the Peltier device 191b, liquid
temperature sensor 193, and the sterilizing light 194 may be
provided on one of the top plate 140 or the center plate 130 to
protrude through the opening 112a of the upper frame 110 and the
container 200.
[0164] The metal 191a may directly contact liquid in the container
200. The metal 191a may be made of a metal that has good heat
conductive properties, such as copper or aluminum, but may
alternatively be made of stainless steel or another material having
a high thermal conductivity or a high heat transfer coefficient. An
upper surface or portion of the metal 191a may have a ridge shape,
or alternatively a mesh grid shape to increase a surface area in
contact with the liquid. Other shapes or contours may be used to
increase the surface area. For example, the surface of the metal
191a may be convex or concave, and may additionally include meshed
grid patterns or ridges or rows of fins. The bottom portion of the
metal 191a may be wider than the upper portion having the ridges.
The peltier hole 225 of the container 200 (FIG. 5C) may be sized to
only expose the upper portion of the metal 191a, while the lower
portion of the metal 191a may serve to prevent liquid from seeping
past the peltier hole 225 of the container 200 into the base
100.
[0165] The Peltier device 191b may be mounted on an upper surface
of the heat dissipation plate 161, and may have terminals across
which a voltage may be applied. When a voltage is applied to the
Peltier device 191b, a difference in temperature may be generated
between an upper side or portion and a lower side or portion as
heat is transferred from one of the upper or lower sides to the
other.
[0166] During a heating process, the upper side of the Peltier
device 191b may become hot and emit heat, which may be transferred
to liquid in the tank via the metal 191a, while the lower side may
become cold and/or absorb heat. Cold air may be dissipated through
the heat sink 160 and exhausted out of the exhaust vents 115 as the
fan 180 rotates.
[0167] During a cooling process, the upper side of the Peltier
device 191b may become cold to cool liquid in the container 200 via
the metal 191a, while the lower side of the Peltier device 191b may
become hot. Hot air may be dissipated through the heat sink 160 and
exhausted out of the exhaust vents 115 as the fan 180 rotates.
[0168] There may be an optional element temperature sensor to sense
a temperature of the Peltier device 191b or the heat sink 160. When
the element temperature sensor senses that a temperature of the
Peltier device 191b and/or the heat sink 160 is above a
predetermined element temperature, an operation of the Peltier
device 191b may be stopped, and the fan 180 may rotate to cool the
heat sink 160 and/or the Peltier device 191b. Ambient air may be
suctioned upward into the base via the suction grill 121. The fan
180 may discharge the ambient air toward the plurality of radiating
fins 162 of the heat sink 160 to cool the heat sink 160 and/or the
Peltier device 191b. Hot air may then be discharged through the
exhaust vents 115.
[0169] The fan 180 may be provided on the lower frame 120 above the
suction grill 121 and oriented so that air suctioned through the
suction grill 121 may be discharged to the radiating fins 162 of
the heat sink 150. The fan 180 may include a hub 183 at a center
and a plurality of blades 182 extending from the hub 183. A fan
case or shroud 181 may surround the plurality of blades 182. The
hub 183 may be rotated by a motor inside the hub 183. The plurality
of blades 182 may be inclined or curved so as to push air toward
the heat sink 160. The fan case 181 may also include fastening
holes 184 through which a bolt or screw may fasten the fan case 181
to the fan housing 170. Alternatively, the fastening holes 184 may
be used to couple the fan case 181 to at least one of the upper
frame 110 and the lower frame 120 of the base 100.
[0170] The fan housing 170 may be provided to surround the fan case
181, support the heat sink 160, and guide a flow of air exhausted
at an outtake of the fan 180. A center frame 173 of the fan housing
170 may have inclined surfaces that lead to the discharge slots 122
and exhaust vent 115. The inclined surfaces of the center frame 173
may cover sides of the fan case 181. If errant liquid enters the
base 100 via, e.g., the exhaust vents 115, the liquid may be guided
down the inclined surface of the fan housing 170 and discharged out
of the discharge slots 122 and exhaust vents 115.
[0171] Errant liquid dripping on the side of the container 200 and
the base 100 is more likely to drip into the exhaust vents 115 when
the fan 180 is not operating. When the fan 180 is operating,
discharged air may keep errant liquid from entering the base 100
through the exhaust vents 115. In addition, any other liquid or
condensate that may have collected on the fan housing 170 may be
discharged through the discharge slots 122.
[0172] The inclined surfaces of the center frame 173 may also guide
exhaust air toward the exhaust vents 115. Heights of the inclined
surfaces of the center frame 173 may be less than or equal to a
height of lower ends of the exhaust vents 115 so as not to block
the exhaust vents 115. Bottom surfaces of the inclined surfaces of
the center frame 173 of the fan housing 170 may also guide air
discharged from the fan 180 up to the heat sink 160 and prevent
ambient air from escaping.
[0173] A top of the center frame 173 may have an opening 171 (FIG.
9C) configured to fit the fan 180 and/or the fan case 181, and the
inclined surfaces may extend from side edges or ends such that a
longitudinal direction of the fan housing 170 corresponds to
longitudinal directions of the heat sink 160 and top plate 140. A
size and shape of the opening 171 may correspond be large enough so
that an outtake of the fan 180 is exposed through the opening 171,
and the center frame 173 may partially cover the fan case 181 so
that corners or sides of the fan case 181 may be attached to the
center frame 173 via the fastening holes 184. Alternatively, the
size and shape of the opening 171 may correspond to a size and
shape of a perimeter of the fan case 181 (e.g., square or
circular). A height of the top of the center frame 173 may be
greater than or equal to a height of the fan case 181 so that the
heat sink 160 may rest on the center frame 173.
[0174] The fan housing 170 may have a pair of sidewalls or side
frames 172 that extend upward to cover sides of the heat sink 160.
The side frames 172 may extend from an upper surface of the center
frame 173 and from sides of the inclined walls of the center frame
173.
[0175] The center plate 130 may have a diameter or width that is
greater than or equal to a distance between the side frames 172 of
the fan housing 170, and the sidewalls 172 may include a cutout or
recessed portion 172a in which a side or portion of the center
plate 130 extending past the width of the fan housing 170 may be
provided. The cutout may further serve to space the center plate
130 apart from the heat sink 160 by the space S3. A distance from
bottom ends of the side frames 172 to the cutout may be greater
than or equal to a distance from the bottom of the radiating fins
of the heat sink to a top of the Peltier device 191b.
Alternatively, the recessed portion 172a may be omitted if a
diameter of the center plate 130 is less than a distance between
the side frames 172 of the fan housing 170.
[0176] The side frames 172 may have a lower opening or cutout
portion through which sides of the fan case 181 may be exposed,
while the inclined surfaces of the center frame 173 may cover
respective sides of the fan case 181. A height of the fan case 181
may be equal to or less than a height of the opening in the side
frames 172. Ends of the side frames 172 may be provided around ends
of the fan case 181.
[0177] The fan housing 170 may include a boss or screw hole 170a
protruding from the side frame 172. A bolt or screw may be inserted
into the screw hole 170a to attach the fan housing 170 to the upper
frame 110, and to push the fan housing 170, heat sink 160, Peltier
device 191b, metal 191a, and plurality of plates 130, 140, and/or
150 upward toward the upper surface of the upper frame 110 of the
base 100 and toward the inner bottom surface 223 of the container
200 to further seal the Peltier hole 225, wiring hole 226, and
openings for the sterilizing light 194 and temperature sensor 193
and to prevent liquid in the container from leaking into the base
100. The screw inserted into the screw hole 170a may further help
to align the heat sink 160, Peltier device 191b, metal 191a, and
plurality of plates 130, 140, and/or 150. Details of the screw hole
170a and a coupling of the fan housing 170 to the upper frame 110
will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 11C.
[0178] The Peltier device 191b and the fan 180 may be connected to
a controller C (FIG. 12) on the printed circuit board 195, and
powered by external power applied through a socket or terminal 118
or a battery 196. Details of the controller C and printed circuit
board 195 will be described with reference to FIG. 12.
[0179] The base 100 may include the battery 196. The battery 196
may be provided adjacent to the sidewalls 172 of the fan housing
170 and above the printed circuit board 196. The battery 196 may be
rated at 3500 mAh (milliampere hour). The battery 196 may be
charged by external power applied to the socket 118 provided near
the battery 196. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the battery
196 may be wirelessly charged via a corresponding charge pad. A
wire may be plugged into the socket 118. The printed circuit board
195 may include an AC/DC converter to convert alternating current
from an external power source to direct current. Alternatively, the
battery 196 may be connected to a wireless power transceiver or
wireless power receiver, and may be charged wirelessly via the
wireless power transceiver. Details of a wireless power
transmission (WPT) process are provided in U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/571,075 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0742) filed on Sep. 14,
2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference
herein.
[0180] If external power is disconnected or disabled, the battery
196 may operate the pump 192, the sterilizing light 194, the liquid
temperature sensor 193, the Peltier device 191b, and/or the user
interface 114. When a charge of the battery 196 is below a
predetermined amount and the socket 118 is not connected to
external power, the controller C may control the light emitting
device 114e to emit a certain color (e.g., red) or blink to warn
the user that a power supply is low so that the user may plug in
the pet water dispenser 1 at the socket 118. In addition, the pet
water dispenser 1 may enter a power saving mode in which only
certain devices (e.g., the pump 192) are operated while other
devices (e.g., the Peltier device 191b, the sterilizing light 194)
are not operated. Details of a power saving mode will be described
with reference to FIG. 12.
[0181] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the bottom surface of the
lower frame 120 may further include a sensor frame 123 (e.g.,
weight sensor frame) in which a water level sensor 124 (e.g.,
weight sensor) may be housed. Although embodiments disclosed herein
are not limited to having a weight sensor to determine an amount of
liquid contained in the container, for convenience of description,
an embodiment where the water level sensor 124 is a weight sensor
will be described.
[0182] A shape of the weight sensor 124 may correspond to a lower
contour of the weight sensor frame 123. The weight sensor 124 may
also serve as a leg or cushion supporting the pet water dispenser
1, and may protrude further downward than the leg 127 formed on the
lower frame 120. The weight sensor 124 may be a strain gauge,
pressure sensor, or load sensor to sense a pressure or weight of
liquid in the container 200 and applied to the lower frame 120 of
the base 100 and/or a bottom of the container 200. The controller C
provided on the printed circuit board 195 may determine a level of
liquid in the container 200 based on a measurement of the weight
sensor 124.
[0183] The weight sensor frame 123 may include a recessed or
stepped portion 123a that is recessed upward from the bottom
surface of the lower frame 120, while the lower end of the weight
sensor frame 123 may protrude from the bottom surface of the lower
frame 120. A cavity or chamber may be formed by the stepped portion
123a.
[0184] The weight sensor 124 may include a main body 124a and a pad
124b having a sensor. An elastic frame 124c may be coupled to an
inner opening of the main body 124a via an extension 124e formed at
one side of the elastic frame 124c. The elastic frame 124c may be
inserted into the cavity formed by the stepped portion 123a of the
weight sensor housing 123, while the main body 124a may be provided
under the lower end of the weight sensor housing 123. The pad 124b
of the weight sensor 124 may be configured to extend beyond the leg
127 of the lower frame 120 such that a cushion height of the weight
sensor 124 is longer than a length of the leg 127.
[0185] The weight sensor 124 may further include a protrusion or
flange 124d that is inserted into a second or intermediate stepped
portion 123c formed in the weight sensor housing 123. The
intermediate stepped portion 123c may be recessed from a lower end
of the weight sensor housing, but may not be recessed as far as the
stepped portion 124a. The flange 124d may secure the main body 124a
of the weight sensor 124 to the intermediate stepped portion 123c
and may provide stability and rigidity to the main body 124a.
[0186] A size and shape of the extension 124e may be configured to
allow the main body 124a and the lower end of the weight sensor
housing 123 to move toward and away from the ground, pressing on
the elastic frame 124c, depending on how heavy the container 200
is. The main body 124b and the elastic frame 124c may be made of a
same material as the lower frame 120 (e.g., plastic).
[0187] The pad 124b may cover an end of a protrusion protruding
from the elastic frame 124c. The protrusion and pad 124b may remain
still as the lower frame 120, lower end of the weight sensor frame
123, and the main body 124a move toward and away from the ground
and press on the elastic frame 124c depending on a weight applied.
When a surface of the stepped portion 123a moves down to touch a
back of the elastic portion 124c, the sensor in the pad 124b may
sense a pressure or weight applied. The pad 124 may further include
an elastic material (e.g., rubber), which may expand and contract
depending on a weight applied to the weight sensor 124 and serve as
a cushion to protect the sensor. An upper surface of the elastic
frame 124c and a lower surface of the stepped portion 123a may be
flat so that a pressure sensed by the pad 124b may be evenly
distributed.
[0188] A coupling of the weight sensor 124 and the weight sensor
frame 123 are not limited to a configuration including extensions
on the main body 124a and stepped portions 123a and 123c in the
weight sensor frame 123. As an alternative example, the main body
124a of the weight sensor 124 may be snapped-fit or pressed-fit
into the frame 123, which may have an opening or cavity configured
to have a perimeter corresponding to a perimeter and/or upper
contour of the main body 124a of the weight sensor 124. As another
alternative, the main body 124a of the weight sensor and the pad
124b may be manufactured as a single weight sensor 124.
[0189] The pads 124b of the weight sensor 124 may serve as legs on
which the pet water dispenser 1 may rest, and may space apart the
bottom surface of the lower frame 120 of the base from the ground
so that air may be suctioned through the suction grill 121.
[0190] There may be additional sensors provided in the base 100,
such as the optional element temperature sensor described
previously, a gyro sensor to sense a tilt or inclination of the pet
water dispenser 1, and a light sensor to sense ambient light of a
room in which the pet water dispenser 1 is placed. In addition,
there may be a pedestal having an adjustable height and/or
inclination on which the pet water dispenser 1 that the controller
may adjust in response to a measurement from the gyro sensor.
[0191] Referring to FIG. 11C in conjunction with FIGS. 1F, 1G, 2B,
8A-8C, 9A, and 9B a bottom surface of the upper frame 110 may
include various holes and bosses to assist in maintaining positions
of the heat sink 160, fan housing 170, printed circuit board 195,
battery 196, proximity sensor 125, and user interface 114 inside
the base 100 and to assist in coupling the upper frame 110 to the
lower frame 120. There may be corresponding holes, bosses, or
recesses in the fan housing 170, top plate 140, side plates 150,
and the lower frame 120 corresponding to the various holes and
bosses of the upper frame 110. Screws or bosses may be inserted
into the holes and bosses of the upper frame 110, fan housing 170,
top plate 140, and side plates 150 to push the fan housing 170, fan
180, heat sink 180, center plate 130, Peltier device 191a, metal
191b, top plate 140, and/or side plates 150 upward toward the upper
frame 110 and the inner bottom surface 223 of the container 200 to
prevent liquid from seeping into the base 100.
[0192] In more detail, the sidewall of the upper frame 110 may
include a socket opening or hole 118a through which the terminal or
socket 118 may be exposed for plugging in. A battery housing 196a
may be formed as walls extending downward. Some of the walls of the
battery housing 196a may be curved to correspond to a curvature of
the battery 196. There may be four bosses 195a extending downward
near corners of the battery housing 196a to maintain a position
printed circuit board 195 below the battery 196.
[0193] A user interface housing 114f formed of walls or frames may
extend downward to maintain a position of the printed circuit board
114c of the user interface 114. Similarly, a proximity sensor
housing 125a formed of walls or frames may extend downward to
maintain a position of upper portions of the proximity sensors 125.
Although two proximity sensor housings 125a are shown in FIG. 11C,
there may be more or less proximity sensor housings 125a depending
on a number of proximity sensors 125 provided in the base.
Positions user interface housing 114f, proximity sensor housing
125a, and battery housing 196a may correspond to positions of the
user interface 114, proximity sensor 125, and battery 196,
respectively, and positions of the bosses 195a may correspond to a
position of the printed circuit board 195.
[0194] Bosses or screw holes 117a, 117b, 117d may be formed as
holes that protrude through the upper surface of the upper frame
110. Bosses 117c may extend downward, and may optionally have a
hole that protrudes through the upper surface of the upper frame
110.
[0195] Boss 117a may be a screw hole or bolt hole. A bolt or screw
may be inserted through boss 117a to be provided in a recess 170b
formed in the side frame 172 to maintain positions of the fan
housing 170 and the heat sink 160. Each side frame 172 of the fan
housing 170 may include two recesses 170b having a shape that
corresponds to a bolt inserted through the boss 117a. There may be
four bosses 117a corresponding to positions of the recesses 170b in
the fan housing 170. The top plate 140 may include a hole 140a at a
position above the recess 170b to allow the bolt to insert into the
recess 170b. Similarly, the pair of frames 150 may include a
cutout, recess, or opening 150a through which the bolt may pass to
the recess 170b. Therefore, the top plate 140 and the pair of
plates 150 may not obstruct a path to the recess 170b.
[0196] Boss 117b may be a smaller bolt hole or screw hole than boss
117a. A bolt or screw may be inserted through a boss or screw hole
170a protruding from the side frame 172 of the fan housing 170 and
couple to the boss 117b. Each side frame 172 of the fan housing 170
may include two screw holes 170a provided adjacent to the recesses
170b. There may be four bosses 117b corresponding to positions of
the screw holes 170a in the fan housing 170. The bolts or screwed
may be inserted upward through the screw holes 170a into the
corresponding bosses 117b to provide an upward force maintain a
position of the fan housing 170 and applying a pressure to the heat
sink 160, Peltier device 191a, temperature sensor 193, sterilizing
light 194, and metal 191b so that liquid does not seep through the
Peltier hole 225, wiring hole 226, and the openings in the inner
bottom surface 223 of the container 200 for the sterilizing light
194 and the temperature sensor 193.
[0197] Boss 117c may extend downward to couple to the bottom frame
120. The bottom frame 120 may include corresponding bosses 117e
that protrude upward. The bosses 117e may include holes in which
bottom ends of the bosses 117c may be inserted. As an alternative,
the boss 117c may couple to a corresponding groove formed in the
bottom frame 120, and the bosses 117e of the bottom frame 120 may
simply serve to prevent a lateral displacement of the heat sink 160
and/or fan housing 170.
[0198] Boss 117d may be a bolt or screw hole. A bolt or screw may
be inserted through boss 117d and inserted through a hole 150a
provided in the pair of top plates 150 to couple to the heat sink
160. When the top plate 140 is provided, a corresponding cutout,
recess, or opening 140b may be provided so as not to obstruct a
path to the heat sink 160. The bolt that couples to the heat sink
160 may serve to keep the heat sink 160 spaced apart from the
center plate 130.
[0199] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B and 12A, the controller C provided
on the printed circuit board 195 may be electrically coupled to and
control the printed circuit board 114c and/or the user interface
114, the sterilizing light 194, the proximity sensor 125, the
liquid temperature sensor 193, the weight sensor 124, the battery
196, the motor provided in the fan 180, the Peltier device 191b,
and the pump 192. The controller C may further be electrically
coupled to an AC/DC converter to convert alternating current
supplied to the socket 118 to direct current, a memory or storage
device to store data (e.g., proximity sensor 125 data and times),
and a communication module. Various other sensors provided in the
base 100 (e.g., the element temperature sensor or a gyro sensor),
if provided, may also be electrically connected to and controlled
by the controller C. The controller C may couple to an optional
global positioning system (GPS) that keeps track of a position of
the pet water dispenser 1.
[0200] The communication module may include a WiFi module and/or
Bluetooth module so that a user may control the controller C via a
mobile application installed on a mobile device. The communication
module may also communicate with a communication module of the
printed circuit board 114c to control an operation of the light
emitting device 114e and the button 114b on the user interface 114.
The communication module may retrieve information from the user's
mobile device or a smart toy or collar (e.g., GPS data) and compare
that to data (e.g., GPS data sensed by the GPS) of the pet water
dispenser 1. The communication module may interact or communicate
with a separate server that receives data from the user's mobile
device and/or smart pet devices (e.g., a pet pendant or collar, an
automated pet treadmill, an automated pet house, a robot cleaner,
etc).
[0201] When the liquid temperature sensor 193 senses a temperature
outside of a first predetermined liquid temperature range, the
Peltier device 191b may be controlled by the controller C to heat
or cool the liquid. Animals tend to prefer water at 10-20 degrees
Celsius, so the first predetermined liquid temperature range may be
10.degree. C.-20.degree. C. The user may also set his or her own
liquid temperature range via the user interface 114 or a mobile
application.
[0202] The proximity sensor 125 may sense a position of a pet
within a predetermined distance range. When the controller C
determines that the pet is within the predetermined distance range,
the controller C may operate the pump 192 to dispense liquid to the
top plate 420, and liquid falling from the outer edge of the top
plate 420 may simulate running water, which is pleasing for
animals. The pet may be attracted to the pet water dispenser 1 and
drink the falling liquid.
[0203] As an alternative, the controller C may wait to operate the
pump 192 only if the proximity sensor 125 senses that the pet is
continuing to approach the pet water dispenser 1. The proximity
sensor 125 may first sense that a pet is within the predetermined
distance range, and the controller C may control the pump 192 to be
in a "standby state" where the pump 192 is ready to quickly operate
in the case of a further command or signal from the controller C.
When the proximity sensor 125 senses that the pet has traveled
closer to the pet water dispenser 1, the controller C may then
operate the pump 192.
[0204] As another example, the controller C may only operate the
pump 192 when a pet is approaching the pet water dispenser 1 by a
predetermined speed. The controller C may calculate a speed of the
pet based on continuous or periodic measurements from the proximity
sensor 125 and an internal timer. When the pet is sensed to be
within a second predetermined distance range that is smaller or
closer than the first predetermined distance range, the controller
C may determine that the pet is drinking from the pet water
dispenser 1, and the memory may store consumption data.
[0205] The controller C may be able to control a pumping capacity
or rate of the pump 192. The controller may increase the pumping
capacity when it is determined via a plurality of proximity sensors
125 that a plurality of pets are approaching (or have approached)
the pet water dispenser 1.
[0206] The memory may be provided on the printed circuit board 195
to store data on how often or at what time the pet drinks from the
pet water dispenser 1. The controller C may operate the pump 192
and the Peltier device 191b based on predictions on when the pet
will approach the pet water dispenser 1. For example, data stored
in the memory may indicate that a pet drinks from the pet water
dispenser 1 at noon every day, so the controller C may operate the
Peltier device 191b before noon to cool or heat the water, and may
operate the pump 192 or control the pump 192 to be in a standby
state at noon. As another example, data stored in the memory may
indicate that a pet drinks from the pet water dispenser 1 every two
hours, and so, after the proximity sensor 125 senses that a pet is
no longer within the second predetermined distance range, two hours
later, the controller may operate the Peltier device 191b and/or
control the pump 192 to operate or to be in a standby state.
[0207] The controller C may also interact with a mobile application
a user may have installed on his mobile device or computer, and may
also interact with a pet pendant or tag having a GPS tracker. Based
on GPS sensors in the pet pendant and on the user's mobile device,
the controller C may determine whether a pet is alone in a house,
is out with his owner (the user), or is in the house with his
owner. A location of the house may be entered by the user via the
mobile application, or may be determined to be equal to GPS data
sensed by the GPS of the pet water dispenser 1.
[0208] When the GPS data indicates that the pet and his owner are
away from the house together, the controller C may operate the
Peltier device 191b to cool or heat the liquid so that the liquid
is at a pleasing temperature when the pet returns to the house. The
controller C may further operate the sterilizing light 194 when the
owner and pet are away from the house, since the owner and pet will
not be at risk of being exposed to UV radiation, which may be
damaging.
[0209] When GPS sensors indicate that the pet is alone in the
house, the controller C may operate the pump 192 and/or the light
emitting device 114e to attract the pet to the pet water dispenser
1 for regular drinking. The user may also control the pet water
dispenser 1 via a mobile application, and can turn the pet water
dispenser 1 on or off using the mobile application. The user may
also select a temperature of the liquid to be maintained and
control the pump 192.
[0210] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B and 12, a status of the battery 196
may be provided to the user via the mobile application, and the
controller C may control electronic devices based on a charge of
the battery 196. In addition, the controller C may control
electronic devices based on a water level sensed by the weight
sensor 124.
[0211] As an example, when the battery 196 is less than a first
predetermined charge amount (e.g., 15%) and when external power is
not being supplied to the socket 118, a power saving mode may be
entered. The user may configure desired settings during the power
saving mode via the user interface 114, or, if no settings have
been entered, a default power saving mode may be implemented. In
the power saving mode, temperature control of the pet water
dispenser 1 may be altered. As an example, the controller may stop
or prevent an operation of the Peltier device 191b, proximity
sensor 125, temperature sensor 193, and sterilizing light 194, but
may continue to operate the pump 192 and the user interface 114.
Alternatively or in addition thereto, the controller may stop an
operation of the fan 180 if a temperature of the heat sink 160
and/or the Peltier device 191b sensed by the element temperature
sensor is less than the predetermined element temperature.
[0212] Furthermore, the controller C may implement the power saving
mode when a water level sensed by the weight sensor 124 is less
than a predetermined minimum water level, even if a charge of the
battery 196 is greater than 15%. Alternatively or in addition
thereto, the controller C may stop an operation of the pump 192
when a water level sensed by the weight sensor 124 is less than the
predetermined minimum water level. The controller C may continue to
operate the weight sensor 124 and operate the pump 192 when a water
level sensed by the weight sensor 124 is greater than the
predetermined minimum water level.
[0213] Alternatively or in addition thereto, the controller C may
prioritize electronic devices to operate during the power saving
mode. The controller C may alter a priority order of electronic
devices based on measurements sensed by the weight sensor 124, the
temperature sensor 193, and the proximity sensor 125. For example,
the controller C may continue to operate the temperature sensor 193
in the power saving mode, but may only prioritize operation of the
Peltier device 191b based on a sensed temperature being outside of
a second predetermined liquid temperature range that is greater
than the first predetermined liquid temperature range (e.g.,
2.degree. C.-30.degree. C.). In addition, a user may preset a
priority order of electronic devices to be implemented during the
power saving mode via the user interface 114.
[0214] During the power saving mode, the controller C may control
the communication module to continuously check a signal (e.g.,
wireless signal via WiFi or service set identifier or SSID signal)
or electrical connection with a charge pad, which may wirelessly
charge the battery 196. If a signal is received from the charge pad
that indicates it is in a range to wirelessly charge the battery
196, then a normal mode or operation may be implemented, and the
power saving mode may be stopped. The normal mode may not prevent
or reduce operations of the Peltier device 191b, etc. If a signal
is not received from the charge pad, the user may override the
power saving mode via the mobile application to implement the
normal mode.
[0215] Alternatively or in addition thereto, the controller C may
interact with the socket 118 to continuously check to see if
external power is being applied to the socket 118. If the
controller C determines that external power is being applied to the
socket 118, then the power saving mode may be stopped, and the
normal mode may be implemented.
[0216] When the battery 195 is less than a second predetermined
charge amount (e.g., 3%), the pet water dispenser may enter an
ultra power saving mode or a sleep mode in which any remaining
electronic devices that are still operating (e.g., the light
emitting device 114e and/or the user interface 114, the element
temperature sensor, the weight sensor 124, the pump 192, and the
fan 180) may be stopped. If the user is unable to charge the
battery 195 by connecting the socket 118 to external power or
wirelessly via a charge pad, the user may remove the dispensing
assembly 400 and the filter assembly 300 by lifting the inclined
wall 323 of the filter guide 320 up and out of the container 200,
and a pet may consume liquid straight from the container 200. The
user may also remove the secondary filter 240 so as not to
interfere with a pet consuming liquid from the container 200, but
may keep the bottom cover 250 inside of the container 200 to
protect the pump 192 and the sterilizing light 194.
[0217] Although the figures show the fan 180 and the heat sink 160
provided at a center of the base 100 and the Peltier device 191b
provided at a side, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited.
For example, referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, an alternative
embodiment of the pet water dispenser 1 may be substantially the
same as embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 12-12B except
for in an arrangement of a fan 180', a heat sink 160', a Peltier
device 191b', and a metal 191a'. In such an alternative embodiment,
the fan 180' and the heat sink 160 may be smaller in size and
provided to be at a side of the base 100. The fan 180' may be
provided under the heat sink 160', which may be provided under the
Peltier device 191b', which may be provided under the outer bottom
surface 121. A suction grill 121' may be provided in the lower
frame 120 under the fan 180', and a discharge grill 115' may be
provided at a center or opposite side of the lower frame 120. In
such an alternative embodiment, the bottom cover 250 may be made of
metal (e.g., stainless steel) and the ribs 255 may be omitted so
that the bottom cover 250 directly contacts the metal 191a' to
serve as an additional heat transfer plate and help to heat or cool
the liquid in the container 200. Alternatively, the bottom cover
250 may include the optional ribs 255, and/or the outer bottom
surface 221 of the container 200 may include ribs to space the
bottom cover 250 apart from the outer bottom surface 221 of the
container 200.
[0218] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, another alternative embodiment
of the pet water dispenser 1 may be substantially the same as
embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1-12B except for in
an arrangement of a fan 180'', a heat sink 160'', a Peltier device
and metal plate 191a'', and discharge grill 115''. The fan 180''
may be a sirocco fan or blower provided to at a side of the heat
sink 160'' instead of under the heat sink 160''. There may be a
suction grill 121'' provided under the fan 180 in the lower frame
120 (or alternatively adjacent to the fan in the outer wall of the
lower frame 120), and the discharge grill 115'' provided on an
opposite side of the lower frame 120 through which air may be
discharged. The heat sink 160'' and the fan 180'' may be provided
between the suction grill and the discharge grill 115''. The fan
180'' may blow air laterally through radiating fins of the heat
sink 160'' to cool the Peltier device provided on a heat
dissipating plate of the heat sink 160'' and below the metal plate
191a''.
[0219] U.S. application Ser. Nos. 16/571,245 (Attorney Docket No.
PBC-0725) filed on Sep. 16, 2019, U.S. application Ser. No.
16/571,093 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0727) filed on Sep. 14, 2019,
U.S. application Ser. No. 16/571,090 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0728)
filed on Sep. 14, 2019, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/571,089
(Attorney Docket No. PBC-0729) filed on Sep. 14, 2019, U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/571,076 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0740)
filed on Sep. 14, 2019, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/571,074
(Attorney Docket No. PBC-0741) filed on Sep. 14, 2019, U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/571,075 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0742)
filed on Sep. 14, 2019, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/571,073
(Attorney Docket No. PBC-0746) filed on Sep. 14, 2019, U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/570,310 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0747)
filed on Sep. 13, 2019, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/570,279
(Attorney Docket No. PBC-0769) filed on Sep. 13, 2019, U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/569,827 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0770)
filed on Sep. 13, 2019, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/569,841
(Attorney Docket No. PBC-0771) filed on Sep. 13, 2019, and U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/569,908 (Attorney Docket No. PBC-0784)
filed on Sep. 13, 2019, the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
[0220] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the
effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be
clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description
of the claims.
[0221] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of providing fresh and clean water to a
pet and capable of providing water at a desirable temperature to a
pet.
[0222] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of preventing contamination from
outside of the pet water dispenser or from the pet's mouth or
snout.
[0223] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of providing flowing water, which is
pleasing for certain animals.
[0224] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser cable of controlling and maintaining a
temperature of water dispensed to a pet based on a pet's species or
a user's input.
[0225] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of accurately detecting a temperature
of water or liquid stored in the pet water dispenser, and
controlling a thermoelectric regulator based on a sensed
temperature.
[0226] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of quickly heating or cooling water in
the pet water dispenser.
[0227] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of accurately detecting an amount of
water stored in the pet water dispenser and operating the pet water
dispenser based on a sensed water amount.
[0228] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of accurately detecting a proximity of
a pet approaching the pet water dispenser and operating the pet
water dispenser based on a sensed proximity.
[0229] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of insulating a space where liquid is
stored.
[0230] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of effectively filtering and
sterilizing water.
[0231] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of operating via battery power and also
via power from an external source.
[0232] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of operating under power saving mods
based on a charge of a battery operating the pet water dispenser
and whether the pet water dispenser is receiving power from an
external source.
[0233] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser capable of treating seasonal affective disorder
and capable of being therapeutic for pets and humans.
[0234] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser that is aesthetically pleasing.
[0235] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a
pet water dispenser that may be controlled remotely.
[0236] Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a pet water
dispenser that is easy to repair, clean, and control.
[0237] Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a pet water
dispenser that is safe to use.
[0238] An object of embodiments disclosed herein is to solve
problems or disadvantages in the related art. The problems solved
by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned
problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly
understood by those skilled in the art from the following
description.
[0239] Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid
dispenser comprising a container configured to store liquid and
having an upper rim defining an upper opening, a base to support
the container and having a thermoelectric device to change a
temperature of the liquid in the container, a pump having an inlet
to suction liquid stored in the container and an outlet to
discharge the liquid, a filter assembly having at least one first
filter and supported on the upper rim of the container, the filter
assembly having an inner opening, a bottom surface surrounding the
inner opening, and an inclined wall extending from the bottom
surface and supported by the upper rim of the container, and a
dispensing assembly to cover the inner opening of the filter
assembly such that the dispensing assembly and the filter assembly
close the upper opening of the container. The dispensing assembly
may have a top plate. The top plate may have a hole communicating
with the outlet of the pump such that the liquid pumped by the pump
spreads over the top plate, cascades to the filter assembly to be
filtered by the first filter, and returns to the container.
[0240] The dispensing assembly may further include a pipe support
and a plate support provided under the top plate and having a
bottom side configured to fit into the inner opening of the filter
assembly. The pipe support may be a hollow cylindrical shell
extending downward from the bottom side of the plate support. A
pipe may be inserted into the pipe support. The plate support may
include spokes to add structural rigidity to the plate support. The
spokes may have an angle of inclination corresponding to an angle
of inclination of the top plate.
[0241] A float may be configured to fit inside of the hole of the
top plate. The pipe support may include grooves. A stem of the
float may be configured to move up and down in the grooves of the
pipe support such that, when the pump pumps liquid at a
predetermined pumping capacity or higher, the float moves up to
create a ring-shaped opening between an outer side of the float and
an inner surface of the top plate defining the hole, and when the
pump pumps liquid at a predetermined pumping capacity or less, the
float moves down to reduce a size of the ring-shaped opening or to
completely close the hole.
[0242] The filter assembly may include a filter top having the
bottom surface. The bottom surface may include a plurality of
through holes through which liquid drops to return to the
container.
[0243] The filter assembly may include a filter guide having the
bottom surface. The bottom surface may be a ramp surface inclined
toward a bottom opening through which liquid drops before entering
the container.
[0244] The filter assembly may include a filter slot having a
bottom wall, side walls, a rear wall, and a front opening. The
bottom wall may have at least one opening through which liquid may
be dropped. A filter tray may be configured to be inserted into the
front opening of the filter slot. The filter tray may include a
filter material such that liquid drops through the filter material
and the at least one opening of the bottom wall before entering the
container.
[0245] A second filter may be provided over the bottom surface of
the container to surround the pump. The second filter may be a
cylindrical strainer. A top end of the second filter may be at
least partially inserted into the inner opening of the filter
assembly.
[0246] A bottom cover may cover a bottom of the container. The
bottom cover may include a pump cover surrounding the pump, a
plurality of openings through which liquid flows to enter the pump
inlet, and an upper surface having a hole aligned with the outlet
of the pump.
[0247] A bottom cover may cover a bottom of the container and the
pump. A second filter may be provided over the bottom cover and
below the filter assembly.
[0248] A sterilizing light may emit ultraviolet radiation into the
liquid of the container before the liquid enters the pump inlet. A
temperature sensor protruding into a bottom of the container may
measure a temperature of the liquid in the container.
[0249] The thermoelectric device may include a Peltier device
provided in the base and a metal provided on top of the Peltier
device. The metal may be exposed through a bottom opening of the
container.
[0250] A heat sink may be provided in the base. The Peltier device
may be provided on the heat sink. A fan may be provided below the
heat sink.
[0251] The base may include a suction grill through which air may
be suctioned by the fan, exhaust vents through which air may be
exhausted by the fan, and discharge slots through which liquid
drops through. A fan housing may surround the fan and have inclined
surfaces leading to the exhaust vents and the discharge slots.
[0252] A proximity sensor may be provided in the base to sense a
position of a moving object within a predetermined distance range
of the base. A water level sensor may be provided on a bottom of
the base to sense an amount of liquid in the container.
[0253] A user interface may be provided on the base through which a
user may select a temperature of the liquid in the container. A
battery and a controller may be further provided in the base.
[0254] Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid
dispenser comprising a container configured to store liquid and
having an upper rim defining an upper opening, a base to support
the container and having a thermoelectric device to change a
temperature of the liquid in the container, a pump having an inlet
to suction liquid stored in the container and an outlet to
discharge the liquid, and a lid covering the upper opening of the
container and having a hole through which liquid discharged from
the pump flows. The hole may be provided in an upper surface of the
lid. The lid may include a liquid guide provided below the upper
surface. The liquid guide may include an inclined wall having a
maximum width larger than a width of the upper surface and a filter
surface that filters foreign matter from liquid falling from the
upper surface of the lid to the container.
[0255] Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid
dispenser comprising a container, a pump configured to pump liquid
stored in the container, a base provided below the container and
having a thermoelectric device to change a temperature of the
liquid in the container, a filter assembly provided above the
container and including at least one filter, and a dispensing
assembly provided above the filter assembly. The dispensing
assembly may include a top plate defining an uppermost surface of
the container and a dispensing opening through which liquid
discharged from the pump flows. The dispensing opening may be
configured to change a direction of the liquid discharged from the
pump such that the liquid dispensed from the dispensing opening may
be sprayed across an upper surface of the top plate. The dispensing
opening may be formed by a hole in the top plate and a float at
least partially inserted into the hole.
[0256] The pump may be configured to pump liquid at a predetermined
velocity such that, when the liquid is dispensed from the
dispensing opening, the liquid has a horizontal velocity component
sufficient to flow over an edge of the top plate and through the
filter of the filter assembly before flowing back into the
container.
[0257] The top plate may have a predetermined angle of inclination,
and the predetermined velocity may be large enough such that the
horizontal velocity component of the dispensed liquid may be
sufficient to overcome the predetermined angle of inclination of
the top plate.
[0258] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on" another element or layer, the element or
layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening
elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as
being "directly on" another element or layer, there are no
intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items.
[0259] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region,
layer or section could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the present invention.
[0260] Spatially relative terms, such as "lower", "upper" and the
like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the
relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or
feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood
that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in use or operation, in
addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example,
if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as
"lower" relative to other elements or features would then be
oriented "upper" relative to the other elements or features. Thus,
the exemplary term "lower" can encompass both an orientation of
above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90
degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative
descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0261] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0262] Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with
reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic
illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate
structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes
of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing
techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments
of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the
particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include
deviations in shapes that result, for example, from
manufacturing.
[0263] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0264] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0265] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *